On what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, Smriti Mandhana—India’s star opening batter and 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup champion—faced an unimaginable tragedy. Just hours before her wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal at the Samdol wedding venue in Sangli, Maharashtra, her father suffered a sudden heart attack and was rushed to a local hospital. The ceremony, set for November 23, 2025, was called off indefinitely. No one saw it coming. Not the guests. Not the decorators. Not even the team of photographers who had arrived with their gear. The joy of the week’s festivities turned silent in minutes.
A Week of Celebration, Suddenly Halted
The past week had been pure magic. Mandhana and Muchhal, who first met in Mumbai in 2019 through mutual friends, had kept their relationship private for years—away from the media glare, as BollywoodShaadis.com reported. Their engagement on November 20, 2025, was a surprise masterpiece: a choreographed Instagram video featuring teammates Jemmimah Rodrigues, Shreyanka Patil, Arundhati Reddy, and Radha Yadav dancing to ‘Samjho Ho Hi Gaya’ from Lage Raho Munna Bhai. The final frame? Mandhana revealing her ring. The internet exploded. Fans called it the most beautiful proposal in cricket history.The next day, Muchhal proposed in person at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Blindfolded, Mandhana was led by him to the spot. He dropped to one knee. She gave him a ‘forever band’ in return. Family, friends, and his sister, playback singer Palak Muchhal, watched in tears.
Then came the pre-wedding rituals. On November 22, 2025, the mehendi and sangeet were held in Sangli. Videos went viral: Mandhana and Muchhal dancing to ‘Tenu Leke,’ followed by teammates Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, and others grooving to ‘Uyyi Amma’ and ‘Cutiepie.’ Laughter echoed. The air smelled of henna and jasmine. Everyone assumed the wedding was unstoppable.
The Morning Everything Changed
Sunday, November 23, 2025, began like any other wedding day. Decorators were hanging lanterns. The sangeet stage was being dismantled. The groom’s side had arrived. The bride’s family was preparing. Then came the call.Mandhana’s father, a quiet, proud man who had supported her cricket journey since she was 12, collapsed at home in Sangli. Paramedics arrived within minutes. He was diagnosed with a severe cardiac event. No one knew the full extent. But the decision was immediate: the wedding was off. No ceremony. No vows. No first dance.
By noon, the Samdol venue was quiet. Staff were removing marigold garlands. Photographers packed up. The Mandhana-Muchhal wedding—once a private, intimate affair with fewer than 150 guests—was now a story of heartbreak, not celebration.
The Cricket Family Comes Together
What’s remarkable isn’t just the tragedy—it’s how tightly knit this group has become. Mandhana’s teammates didn’t just show up for the sangeet. They became part of her life. Shafali Verma, barely 21, shared the viral video. Radha Yadav, known for her fiery spirit, was seen holding Mandhana’s hand as they left the hospital. Jemmimah Rodrigues, who danced in the engagement video, posted a single line on Instagram: “Family first. We’re with you.”Cricket has always been more than a game for these women. It’s a lifeline. A community. And now, in their darkest hour, they’re not just teammates—they’re family.
What Happens Next?
There’s no timeline. No new date. The family hasn’t issued a statement beyond confirming the postponement is “indefinite,” as Hindustan Times reported. Mandhana’s father’s condition remains private. Hospital names, treatment details—none have been shared. In Indian culture, especially in traditional families like Mandhana’s, health crises are handled behind closed doors.But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about a postponed wedding. It’s about priorities. In a world obsessed with viral moments and social media spectacle, Mandhana chose her father. No hesitation. No delay. That’s the kind of strength that doesn’t need headlines.
When the time comes, the wedding will happen. Maybe next year. Maybe after the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. But it won’t be the same. It’ll be heavier. Deeper. More meaningful. Because love isn’t measured in decorations or songs. It’s measured in choices.
Background: A Love Story Built on Quiet Moments
Mandhana and Muchhal didn’t meet at a party or a concert. They met through friends in Mumbai in 2019—two people who loved music and movement. He composed for Bollywood; she moved like music on the cricket field. Their bond grew slowly. No Instagram posts. No red carpet appearances. Just shared playlists and quiet dinners after training.That’s why the engagement video felt so genuine. It wasn’t staged for views. It was a celebration of a love that had survived the noise of fame.
Palash Muchhal, brother of singer Palak Muchhal, has worked on films like Shershaah and 83. He’s not a celebrity. He’s a composer who found his rhythm in the silence between innings.
And Smriti Mandhana? At 29, she’s one of the most decorated women cricketers in India. But her legacy isn’t just in runs or trophies. It’s in how she carries herself—with grace under pressure, humility in victory, and now, courage in crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the wedding postponed and not rescheduled immediately?
The wedding was postponed indefinitely because Smriti Mandhana’s father suffered a critical heart attack on the wedding day, requiring urgent hospitalization. The family has not disclosed his current condition or a new date, prioritizing his recovery over any celebration. In Indian culture, especially in close-knit families, health emergencies take absolute precedence, and rescheduling a wedding is often delayed until the patient stabilizes.
Who were the key people involved in the pre-wedding events?
Key participants included Smriti Mandhana’s Indian women’s cricket teammates: Shafali Verma, Shreyanka Patil, Yastika Bhatia, Jemmimah Rodrigues, Arundhati Reddy, and Radha Yadav. Palash Muchhal’s sister, playback singer Palak Muchhal, also attended the proposal and sangeet. The ceremonies were held in Sangli, Maharashtra, with the proposal occurring at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
How did the cricket team respond to the postponement?
The team responded with quiet solidarity. Players like Jemmimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav posted supportive messages on social media, while others were seen accompanying Mandhana to the hospital. Their presence underscored the deep familial bonds within the team—more than athletes, they’re a support system. Many canceled their travel plans and stayed in Sangli to be with the family.
What impact might this have on Mandhana’s cricket career?
While Mandhana’s physical fitness isn’t in question, emotional tolls can affect performance. She’s played through injuries and pressure before, but this is personal. The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup is on the horizon, and her leadership will be vital. The BCCI and team management have reportedly offered full support, including mental health resources, recognizing that athletes are people first.
Is there any update on Mandhana’s father’s health?
As of now, no official medical update has been released by the family. Sources close to them confirm he’s under observation in a private hospital in Sangli, but details about his condition, prognosis, or treatment remain confidential. The family has requested privacy, and media outlets like Hindustan Times and India Today are respecting that boundary.
Will the wedding ever happen?
All signs point to yes. The couple’s love story, built over six quiet years, isn’t defined by a single day. Friends say they’ve already talked about celebrating when the time is right—perhaps after the World Cup, or even in a small ceremony with just their parents. What matters isn’t the date on the calendar. It’s the promise they made to each other—and to their family.
