Smriti Mandhana calls-off wedding with Palash Muchhal, says "it’s time to move forward"

Smriti Mandhana announced on Sunday that her highly publicized wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal has been called off. The abrupt end to their relationship, which had been under media scrutiny for weeks, was confirmed through a public statement issued by Mandhana, where she appealed for privacy.

Mandhana emphasizes her desire for peace as she processes the decision and moves forward. In her statement posted on Instagram, 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." She firmly requested that the matter be closed, urging the public and media to respect the privacy of both families during this sensitive time.

The wedding, originally scheduled for November 23 in her hometown of Sangli, had already made headlines when it was indefinitely postponed. The decision to postpone came suddenly after star-studded pre-wedding rituals, following a sudden health scare suffered by Mandhana’s father on the morning before the ceremony. At that time, Mandhana chose to focus entirely on her family’s health.

Mandhana concluded her statement by 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. Thank you for all your support. It's time to move forward.”