The year 2025 saw a number of prominent cricket figures navigate challenging personal territory, with the end of several high-profile relationships attracting widespread attention across social and traditional media platforms. These developments underlined the intense pressure that comes with celebrity status in professional sports.
Cricketers’ relationships that ended in 2025
Professional athletes often face unique challenges in maintaining personal relationships while managing demanding careers and constant public visibility. This year has seen a number of cricket stars publicly address the end of their marriages and partnerships, with each announcement bringing varying levels of controversy and media attention.
1) JP Duminy and Sue Erasmus separate after 12 years
Former South African cricketer JP Duminy and his wife sue erasmus Their marriage took place in February 2025, ending a relationship that had lasted more than a decade. The couple, who exchanged vows in 2011, released a joint statement emphasizing their commitment to their daughters Isabella and Alexa Rose. His announcement prioritized co-parenting arrangements and family stability going forward. Observers had noted a reduction in public appearances together over the past months, although no detailed explanation for the separation was provided. Sue has since moved on with a new relationship, publicly sharing moments with her partner Franco Roberto on social media.
2) Yuzvendra Chahal’s high-profile separation from Dhanashree Verma
The breakup of Yuzvendra Chahal’s marriage with choreographer and content creator Dhanashree Verma became one of the most talked-about cricket-related stories in early 2025. Mumbai’s Bandra Family Court officially approved their divorce on March 20, bringing an end to the relationship that began during the pandemic lockdown in 2020. The couple was living separately since mid-2022.
The financial settlement reportedly included substantial compensation, with Chahal agreeing to pay an alimony of Rs 4 crore. The Bombay High Court expedited the proceedings by waiving the standard waiting period, accommodating Chahal’s professional cricket commitments during the Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Media attention increased when both parties arrived at the court proceedings wearing masks to avoid identification. After the separation, both men made subtle social media statements that generated additional public discussion.
3) Megan Schutt confirms split from partner Jess Holyoake
Australian women’s cricket star Megan Schutt publicly acknowledged the end of her marriage with Jess Holyoake through a heartfelt social media message. The couple, who got married in 2019 after being together for several years, decided to separate after facing difficulties in their relationship. Schutt stressed that despite the end of the romantic partnership, the two are dedicated to raising their daughter Riley, born in 2021. The declaration emphasized mutual respect and a commitment to maintain positive communication for the benefit of your child.
4) Smriti Mandhana and Palash Muchhal’s marriage broke
Perhaps the most dramatic incident involved an Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and musician Palash Muchhal, whose planned wedding in November was abruptly cancelled. The couple, together since 2019, had been preparing for the wedding, when circumstances changed dramatically on the scheduled ceremony date. Mandhana’s father experienced a medical emergency that morning, after which Muchhal was admitted to the hospital.
Also read: IPL 2026 – 3 players Punjab Kings could sign to replace Shreyas Iyer if he misses out
Online speculation ran rampant with unverified claims about the dynamics of the relationship, which Muchhal’s family strongly rejected as false rumours, while threatening legal action against those spreading misinformation. Mandhana removed wedding-related content from her social media profiles, and in early December, both parties confirmed the permanent cancellation. Mandhana requested to focus on her cricket career, while Muchhal respectfully expressed her intention to move on.
5) Imad Wasim’s divorce case from Sania Ashfaq
The dissolution of Imad Wasim’s marriage in late December 2025 generated significant controversy when conflicting stories emerged. The Pakistani all-rounder announced his separation from Sania Ashfaq on December 28, requesting privacy and asking fans to refrain from sharing old couple photos. His statement referred to unresolved disputes that had been going on for many years.
Ashfaq responded with a contradictory account, and made serious allegations about the circumstances surrounding their separation. She claimed that outside interference contributed to the breakdown of the marriage and described experiencing significant emotional difficulties, particularly during pregnancy. His statement hinted at ongoing legal proceedings and suggested he had supporting documents. The couple, who married in 2016, also have children together. Speculation emerged regarding third party involvement, although definitive confirmation remained elusive amid denials from various parties.
Also read: Amidst divorce from wife Sania Ashfaq, Imad Wasim has been accused of fraud.
