Smriti Mandhana–Palash Muchhal wedding postponed after cricketer’s father rushed to hospital

The much-anticipated wedding of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal, originally scheduled for November 23, has been postponed indefinitely. The decision came after Mandhana’s father, Shrinivas Mandhana, fell seriously ill on the morning of the ceremony.

According to her manager, Tuhin Mishra, the cricketer was clear that she did not wish to proceed with the wedding amid a family medical emergency. “Smriti Mandhana’s father was not feeling well since this morning. He was rushed to a hospital in Sangli, and he is currently under observation while various tests are being conducted,” Mishra said. “Mandhana was very clear that in these circumstances she did not want to get married, which is why the decision has been taken to postpone the wedding indefinitely,” he added.

The private ceremony, set in Mandhana’s hometown in Maharashtra, had been preceded by several pre-wedding celebrations over the past few days. Guests had enjoyed traditional rituals such as Mehendi, Haldi, and Sangeet. A lighthearted Bride Team versus Groom Team cricket match also brought laughter and energy to the gatherings.

Several of Mandhana’s India teammates were present, including Jemimah Rodrigues, Radha Yadav, Shafali Verma, Arundhati Reddy, Shivali Shinde, and Richa Ghosh. A video of Mandhana dancing with her teammates during the Haldi went viral, capturing the cheerful spirit of the festivities.

Mandhana had announced her engagement to Palash Muchhal with a lively Instagram reel, dancing to the iconic “Samjho Ho Hi Gaya” track from Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) alongside her teammates.

The day after the engagement, Palash shared a proposal video from Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium — the same venue where India lifted the Women’s World Cup. Mandhana, blindfolded and guided to the centre of the pitch, was surprised when Palash went down on one knee.

The engagement followed Mandhana’s stellar World Cup performance, where she scored 434 runs in nine innings at an average of 54.25, including a century and two fifties. Her 45 off 58 in the final against South Africa contributed to India’s championship triumph.