'No to KBC': Smriti Mandhana Skips Shoot Amid Wedding Controversy with Palaash Muchhal; Harmanpreet Kaur Leads Squad

India’s victorious ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup squad gathered for a special Kaun Banega Crorepati episode this week, but one familiar face was missing. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana skipped the shoot, sparking speculation as the cricketer navigates personal challenges surrounding her postponed wedding to music composer Palaash Muchhal.

Smriti Mandhana Pulls Out of KBC Shoot

Mandhana was scheduled to join her teammates for the Wednesday recording, which would have marked her third appearance on the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. According to The Times of India, she withdrew at the last moment, citing personal reasons. Her absence was felt amid the excitement of celebrating one of India’s most significant achievements in women’s cricket.

Wedding Festivities Halted Abruptly

The cricketer’s wedding celebrations in Sangli, including haldi, mehendi, and sangeet ceremonies, had already begun when events came to an abrupt stop. Smriti’s father, Srinivas Mandhana, suffered a sudden health emergency and was rushed to the hospital, forcing the postponement of the wedding. Following this, Smriti deleted pre-wedding photos from her social media, though older posts featuring Palaash Muchhal remain intact.

Palaash Muchhal’s Emotional Response

Palaash’s mother, Amita Muchhal, told Hindustan Times that it was Palaash himself who insisted on postponing the wedding after learning about Smriti’s father’s condition. Deeply affected, Palaash reportedly broke down and refused to continue the rituals. The emotional strain led to his brief admission for medical observation, with his sister, singer Palak Muchhal, visiting him during this difficult time.

Harmanpreet Kaur and Team Shine on Set

Even with Mandhana absent, the KBC shoot showcased a star-studded lineup from India’s World Cup-winning squad. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, opener Shafali Verma, Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, batter Harleen Deol, all-rounder Sneh Rana, and head coach Amol Muzumdar were all present. Videos of the team’s arrival and interactions on set are already circulating, building excitement for a broadcast celebrating India’s historic victory.

Looking Ahead

While fans eagerly await the airing of the episode, Smriti’s personal life remains under the spotlight. Her absence from KBC reflects the challenges of balancing public achievements with private struggles, even as her teammates continue to celebrate a landmark moment in Indian women’s cricket.