The euphoria of winning the Women’s ODI World Cup was followed by a very romantic proposal, like in a Hollywood movie, at the DY Patil Stadium – the same venue where India won its maiden World Cup. The world was eagerly waiting for the fairy tale wedding of Smriti Mandhana and Palash Mucchal last month.
Everything was set for what promised to be a wedding worth mentioning as Smriti’s Indian teammates were all geared up for the big bash. Jemimah Rodrigues had flown down from Australia to be with her dear friend. But at the last hour misfortune struck the wedding as it was reported that Smriti’s father had fallen ill and, therefore, the wedding was postponed. Both families maintained silence even as rumours took over and all sorts of theories were being floated for the postponement of the wedding.
On Sunday, Smriti, vice-captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, broke the silence and put all rumours to rest as she announced that the wedding was not postponed but was called off. “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 posted in her Instagram account.
“I would like to close this matter here and implore all of you to do the same. I request you to please respect the privacy of both families at this time and allow us the space to process and move on at our own pace.
“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.”
Palash too quickly responded. “I have decided to move on in my life and step back from my personal relationship. Its been very difficult for me to see people react so easily on baseless rumours about something which has been most sacred to me. Its the most difficult phase of my life and I will deal with it gracefully holding on to my beliefs. I truly hope we, as a society, learn to pause before judging someone based on unverified gossip, whose sources are never identified. Our words can wound in ways we may never understand.
“While we think about these things, many people in the world are facing drastic consequences. My team will be taking strict legal action against those spreading false and defamatory content. Thank you to everyone who has stood by me with kindness in this tough time,” he stated.
No matter what triggered off the cancellation, the families surely need to be left alone and process the heartbreak in their own way. They don’t need any more intrusion in their private lives.
