Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has put an end to weeks of speculation, confirming that her wedding to music composer and filmmaker Palash Mucchal will no longer take place.
In her first public statement on the matter, she also urged fans and media to respect the families’ privacy during this time.
In a statement shared via Instagram on Sunday, Mandhana, known for her privacy, said, ‘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. I am a very private person, but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off.’
She urged fans and the media to respect the families’ privacy. ‘I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. Please allow both families the space to process and move on at their own pace,’ she added.
Mandhana also emphasised that her focus remains firmly on cricket. ‘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 playing and winning trophies for India for as long as possible -- that will always be my focus.’
Soon after Mandhana's post, Palash Muchhal issued his own statement, confirming that he had 'decided to move on' and expressing anguish over what he described as baseless online chatter.
"I have decided to move on in my life and step back from my personal relationship. It's been very difficult for me to see people react so easily on baseless rumours about something which has been most sacred to me."
"It's the most difficult phase of my life and I will deal with it gracefully holding on to my beliefs," he wrote.
He urged the public to reflect before amplifying unverified claims.
"I truly hope we, as a society, learn to pause before judging someone based on unverified gossip, whose sources are never identified. Our words can wound in ways we may never understand," he added.
Muchhal also said his team would take legal action against those spreading defamatory content.
"My team will be taking strict legal action against those spreading false and defamatory content," he said, thanking those who had supported him with 'kindness' during this period.
The development comes days after singer Palak Muchhal, sister of Palash, spoke on the issue.
"I think the families have been through a very tough time... we would like to spread positivity as much as we can. We are also trying to stay strong," she had said.
Both statements come against the backdrop of intensified social media discussions and unverified reports, prompting public figures to step in to curb conjecture.
© 2025