In a crucial update in the ongoing divorce proceedings of Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his wife Dhanashree Verma, the Bombay High Court recently enforced a significant development. The court has ruled to waive the usual six-month cooling-off period, allowing the couple’s divorce case to be finalized in light of their unique circumstances. This decision was made on March 19, 2025, paving the way for a final hearing scheduled for March 20, 2025, right before Chahal embarks on his participation in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The couple’s relationship has been under scrutiny, particularly since news broke of their separation last year. Married in December 2020, Chahal and Verma have lived apart since June 2022, indicating long-seated compatibility issues, which they officially cited as the reason for their divorce filing in February 2025 at the Bandra Family Court. They filed their petition alongside a request to waive the necessary waiting period mandated by Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, which typically provides couples a six-month interval to consider reconciliation.
Chahal, who was recently signed by the Punjab Kings for a staggering ₹18 crore following the IPL auction, had agreed to pay an alimony settlement of ₹4.75 crore to Verma. However, reports emerged that he had only remitted ₹2.37 crore of the agreed sum by the date set for their divorce hearing. This alleged non-compliance with the payment terms initially led the family court to reject their request for a waiver of the cooling-off period, highlighting Chahal’s incomplete settlement as a sticking point in their proceedings.
Yet, the high court's ruling on March 19 showed a willingness to accommodate the situation, with Justice Madhav Jamdar stating that the couple’s extended time apart and agreement on alimony payments could allow them to bypass the mandated cooling-off period. Jamdar instructed the family court to reach a decision on the couple’s petition by March 20 to expedite the process.
On the morning of March 20, both parties arrived at the family court, having avoided media attention as they navigated this intense moment in their personal lives. Photographs captured Chahal, dressed in a black t-shirt and matching jacket, making his way to the court, while Verma was seen rushing inside, her identity concealed beneath sunglasses and a face mask. The emotions of the day were palpable, as fans eagerly awaited updates on the couples’ fate.
Movement outside the courthouse highlighted the pressures surrounding this high-profile divorce, with a minor incident involving media personnel creating commotion as Dhanashree entered. Displaying brief frustration, she directed a passerby, stating, 'Kya kar rahe ho aap?' (What are you doing?). This moment underscored the turmoil that often accompanies public interest in celebrity relationships.
Complicating their situation further, Verma is set to release a new music video titled 'Dekha Ji Dekha Maine' on the same day as the court's ruling, which adds another layer of drama to the unfolding narrative. T-Series announced the release, timed interestingly with their divorce proceedings. Universal interest emerged around her new endeavor and what it signifies amidst this pivotal transition in her life.
The high-paced environment of their divorce also caught the attention of social media, particularly due to the commentary from RJ Mahvash, rumored to be Chahal’s girlfriend. In her cryptic Instagram post amid the divorce news, she referenced themes of deception and resilience, which resonated with many followers, stirring speculation about relationships and emotions surrounding the couple's split.
The context of Chahal’s IPL involvement added urgency to the high court's decision, as the tournament is set to commence on March 22, ensuring that the legal matters would not overshadow his professional commitments as an athlete.
As the narrative evolves, one intriguing aspect remains related to the financial aspects of their divorce. Although earlier reports inaccurately suggested a potential alimony sum as high as ₹60 crore, it has been clarified that the actual figure is significantly lower, closer to ₹4.75 crore, which was contested in recent weeks as settlement negotiations unfolded. Chahal’s consent to the alimony payment underscores the complexities and negotiations expected in high-profile divorces.
Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma’s divorce encapsulates more than just a marital separation; it represents layers of emotional, public, and legal factors intertwining amid changing personal lives and professional responsibilities. With the final rulings delivered on March 20, both stakeholders can proceed with their lives amidst the public's acute interest.
