Smriti Mandhana revealed on Sunday that her wedding to Palash Muchhal had been “called off” amid continued buzz about a rift. The couple had announced an “indefinite” postponement last month after her father took ill amidst the celebrations. The ace cricketer has subsequently deleted all social media updates from her Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies. She had also made waves after posting her first social media update in weeks with her engagement ring conspicuously absent.
What did Smriti Mandhana say?
“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. I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same,” she wrote on Instagram.
The cricketer also urged people to “respect the privacy of both families at this time” and stressed the need to “move forward”.
“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.
Wedding postponed mid-celebrations
The nuptials were abruptly paused on the day of the ceremony after Mandhana’s father took ill. He was rushed to the hospital for heart-related issues and admitted on what would have been her wedding day.
“Shrinivas Mandhana was having breakfast when his health started deteriorating. We waited thinking he would recover soon, but it didn’t improve. So we thought not to take any risk and called an ambulance, and he has been taken to the hospital. Smriti is very close to her father. So, she has decided to postpone the marriage…” her manager Tuhin Mishra had told the media at the time.