Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has officially confirmed that her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal will no longer take place. After weeks of speculation and conversations surrounding her personal life, she shared a heartfelt note on Instagram story on Sunday, requesting space and understanding while reaffirming her full focus on cricket and her country.
Official confirmation on Instagram
Mandhana said the constant attention had made the situation increasingly difficult. "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," she wrote.
She also urged everyone to remain sensitive as both families deal with the development in their own time. The cricketer noted how emotionally draining the chatter around the cancelled wedding had become. "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 said.
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Reaffirming her priorities, Mandhana made it clear that her commitment to Indian cricket remains unchanged. "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 added.
She concluded her message by thanking fans for their support and expressing her intention to move forward. "Thank you for all your support. It's time to move forward," she wrote.
Statement of Palash Muchhal
Palash Muchhal also issued a statement through an Instagram story on Sunday, confirming the split. He acknowledged the conversations surrounding their relationship and clarified his position following Mandhana’s announcement. Muchhal further warned that he would pursue legal action against anyone spreading false claims or defamatory statements, urging people not to circulate unverified information as both individuals navigate the situation privately. He wrote, "I have decided to move on in my life and step back from my personal relationship. Its been very difficult for me to see people react so easily on baseless.rumours about something which has been most sacred to me."
He also added, "Its the most difficult phase of my life and I will deal with it gracefully holding on to my beliefs. I truly hope we, as a society, learn to pause before unverified gossip, whose sources never identified. Our words can wound in ways we may never understand."
He concluded, "While we think about these things, many people in the world are facing drastic consequences. My team will be taking strict legal action against those spreading false and defamatory content.Thank you to everyone who has stood by me with kindness in this tough time."
The wedding was set to take place on November 23.
