'Wedding is called off': Smriti Mandhana ends rumours about marriage to Palash Muchhal
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Take your experience further with Premium access. Thought-provoking Opinions, Expert Analysis, In-depth Insights and other Member Only BenefitsIndian cricket star Smriti Mandhana on Sunday officially confirmed that her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal has been called off, issuing a clear and personal statement to end weeks of speculation surrounding the couple.
In a message shared on her Instagram Story, she wrote, “Over the past few weeks there has been plenty of speculation around my life and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time. I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that way but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off.”
Related news: Palash Muchhal breaks silence after wedding with Smriti Mandhana falls through, says 'he's moving on'
She urged an end to the ongoing chatter, adding, “I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace.”
Mandhana reaffirmed her commitment to cricket, saying, “I believe there is a higher purpose driving us all and for me that has always been representing my country at the highest level. I hope to continue to play and win trophies for India for as long as possible and that is where my focus will forever be.”
She concluded, “Thank you for all your support. It’s time to move forward.”
The development comes days after singer Palak Muchhal, Palash’s sister, also spoke on the issue, reflecting the families’ emotional strain. “I think the families have been through a very tough time. Like you just said, I would just want to repeat that we would like to believe in positivity at this time. We would like to spread positivity as much as we can. We are also trying to stay strong,” she said.
The postponement of the wedding occurred nearly two weeks ago. The ceremony, originally scheduled for November 23 in Sangli, was halted after Smriti’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, fell critically ill, while Palash was also hospitalised due to stress. Both were later discharged, but the abrupt postponement fuelled widespread speculation.
The situation escalated when unverified and sensational claims began circulating online — including unfounded cheating allegations largely aimed at Muchhal. Neither family addressed those rumours publicly.
Soon after, social media became flooded with rumours that the couple had chosen December 7 as their new wedding date. The buzz prompted Smriti’s brother, Shravan Mandhana, to issue a clarification: “I have no idea about these rumours. As of now, it (the wedding) is still postponed.”
Earlier, Palash’s mother, Amita Muchhal, had spoken about the emotional strain both families were under. “Smriti and Palash dono takleef mein hain… Palash dreamt of coming home with his bride. I had even planned a special welcome… Everything will be fine, shaadi bohot jaldi hogi,” she told HT.
The controversy even dragged the couple’s wedding choreographers, Nandika Dwivedi and Gulnaaz Khan, into a storm of baseless online chatter — allegations they categorically denied.