Star cricketer’s joyous celebration turns into anxious wait as father Shrinivas suffers heart attack on wedding morning; ceremony postponed indefinitely
In a heartbreaking turn of events that cast a shadow over what was supposed to be one of the most joyous days of her life, Indian women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana‘s wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal has been postponed indefinitely after her father suffered a medical emergency on Sunday morning, November 23, 2025.
Morning Crisis Halts Wedding Preparations
The wedding, scheduled to take place at the Mandhana Farm House in Samdol, Sangli, Maharashtra, came to an abrupt halt when Smriti’s father, Shrinivas Mandhana, experienced health complications during breakfast. Mandhana’s manager, Tuhin Mishra, explained that Shrinivas suffered a health complication early morning, and the wedding has been postponed until he recovers.
“Smriti’s father, Mr. Shrinivas Mandhana, was having breakfast this morning, and his health started deteriorating,” Mishra stated, adding that the family initially waited, hoping he would recover soon, but when his condition didn’t improve, they called an ambulance and he was taken to the hospital.
According to Dr. Naman Shah, Director of Sarvhit Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Sangli where Shrinivas was admitted, the cricketer’s father experienced symptoms of a heart attack around 11:30 AM after feeling left-sided chest pain. Dr. Shah attributed the cause to physical or mental stress due to hectic activities during the wedding season, noting that Shrinivas may need continuous ECG monitoring and possibly angiography.
VIDEO | Tuhin Mishra, manager of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana, confirms that her father is not well and the wedding has been indefinitely postponed.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 23, 2025
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/K5EVJwyR4h
Daughter’s Devotion Takes Priority
Mandhana, who is emotionally attached to her father and credits him as a constant source of support in her cricketing journey, made the difficult but immediate decision to postpone her wedding. Tuhin Mishra confirmed to the media that Smriti is very clear that she wants her father to recover first before resuming the wedding, which has been indefinitely postponed.
“Smriti is very close to her father. So, she has decided to postpone the marriage, which was going to happen today, till her father is fine,” Mishra explained, requesting that people respect the family’s privacy at this time. Shrinivas is currently stable and under medical observation at the hospital.
From Celebration to Concern
The postponement comes as a shock to fans and well-wishers who had been following the couple’s vibrant pre-wedding festivities over the past week. Mandhana and Muchhal had recently hosted a mehndi ceremony attended by close ones, including Mandhana’s cricket teammates, with the Indian women’s cricketers keeping fans updated with ceremony pictures on social media.
The wedding was planned as an intimate affair with about 70 guests from each side, with no reception but just a small gathering with people from the political and cricketing world, as Palash had earlier shared with the media.
A Week of Joyous Pre-Wedding Festivities
The past week had seen Sangli transformed into a celebration hub as the couple’s pre-wedding ceremonies unfolded in spectacular fashion. The Haldi ceremony was a vibrant, laughter-filled gathering where Mandhana, dressed in a yellow embroidered suit with golden jewellery, danced alongside her teammates from the Women in Blue, including Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh, Radha Yadav, and Jemimah Rodrigues.
The mehendi ceremony was equally dreamy, with photos going viral showing Smriti wearing a gorgeous purple traditional lehenga while Palash complemented her in a cream kurta paired with an embroidered jacket. Another viral photo captured Smriti Mandhana with all her cricket teammates, who looked stunning in vibrant traditional outfits, as they celebrated together and flaunted their mehendis.
Bollywood singer Palak Muchhal, Palash’s sister, shared emotional pictures from the Haldi ceremony, including one where she applied wedding haldi on her brother. The celebrations also featured friendly cricket matches between teams led by the bride and groom, creating unforgettable memories for all involved.
A Love Story Written in the Stars
Smriti and Palash have reportedly been dating since 2019, keeping their relationship largely private until recently. Palash surprised Smriti with a movie-worthy proposal by blindfolding her and taking her to the middle of DY Patil Stadium, where he went down on his knees with a huge bouquet of red roses.
The venue held special significance as it was the same ground where the Indian women’s team lifted the World Cup trophy just weeks earlier, making the proposal even more meaningful for the star opener.
The couple announced their engagement through a creative Instagram reel featuring Smriti dancing with her teammates Jemimah Rodrigues and Shreyanka Patil, subtly revealing her engagement ring in the closing frame.
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Blessings from the Highest Office
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent his heartfelt wishes to the couple through a letter, writing that as they start a new, beautiful life together, the grace of Smriti’s cover drive meets the lilting musical symphony of Palash in a wonderful partnership. The PM’s letter expressed hopes that the couple would find strength in each other’s presence and build a shared life rooted in trust.
Support from Cricket Fraternity
As news of the postponement spread, messages of support poured in from the cricket community and fans worldwide. Social media was flooded with prayers for Shrinivas Mandhana’s speedy recovery and words of encouragement for Smriti during this difficult time.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of family bonds. During the wedding festivities, Smriti was accompanied by numerous members of the Indian cricket team that won the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, showcasing the strong bond between the players who have become more than just teammates.
Looking Ahead
While the wedding date remains uncertain, the family’s focus is entirely on Shrinivas Mandhana’s recovery. The outpouring of love and support from fans, teammates, and the broader cricket community demonstrates the respect and affection that Smriti Mandhana has earned both on and off the field.
As one of India’s finest cricketers and a role model for millions, Mandhana’s decision to prioritize her father’s health over her wedding celebration has only enhanced her standing in the public eye. Her teammates, who had traveled to Sangli to celebrate with her, have stood by her side during this challenging time, exemplifying the strong bonds within the Indian women’s cricket team.
The cricket world now waits with bated breath, hoping for positive news about Shrinivas Mandhana’s health and looking forward to the day when the celebrations can resume in full spirit. Until then, the prayers and good wishes of millions remain with the Mandhana family during this anxious period.
