Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and his estranged wife, Dhanashree Verma, have been in the headlines following reports that they have mutually agreed to end their marriage. The divorce proceedings, which have been ongoing for a while, took a significant turn when the Bombay High Court recently ruled on their plea to waive the six-month statutory cooling-off period mandated under the Hindu Marriage Act.
Court Proceedings and Waiver of Cooling-Off Period
According to reports from NDTV Sports and Hindustan Times, Chahal and Verma, who got married in December 2020, had been living separately since June 2022. After more than two and a half years of separation, the couple formally filed for divorce in February 2025 at the Bandra Family Court.
Along with their divorce petition, they requested the court to waive the six-month cooling-off period, arguing that their marriage had irretrievably broken down and reconciliation was no longer possible.
The Bombay High Court reviewed the plea and ruled in favor of waiving the cooling-off period, considering that the couple had been living separately for an extended period. Justice Madhav Jamdar directed the family court to expedite the divorce decision, citing Chahal’s commitment to his Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule. The court instructed that a decision on the case should be made by March 20, just days before Chahal’s participation in the 2025 IPL season.
Alimony and Financial Settlement
A key aspect of the settlement is the reported alimony amount. According to various sources, Yuzvendra Chahal has agreed to pay a sum of Rs 4.75 crore as alimony to Dhanashree Verma. While neither party has officially commented on this financial arrangement, legal experts suggest that such settlements are common in high-profile mutual divorce cases, where financial security for both parties is ensured before finalizing the separation.
The sum, reportedly agreed upon as part of the mutual consent divorce, could include financial support for the immediate future and a one-time settlement. Given Chahal’s ongoing cricketing commitments and brand endorsements, the amount, though significant, is not uncommon for individuals in his earning bracket.
Why Was the Cooling-Off Period Waived?
Under Section 13B(2) of the Hindu Marriage Act, a couple filing for a mutual divorce is typically required to wait six months before the court grants the decree. This cooling-off period is intended to provide couples with an opportunity to reconsider their decision and explore possibilities of reconciliation. However, courts can waive this requirement if they determine that the marriage is beyond repair and that prolonging the process serves no purpose.
In this case, the Bombay High Court took into consideration that Chahal and Verma had already been separated for over two years and had mutually decided to part ways. The court deemed that there was no possibility of reconciliation and that making them wait for another six months was unnecessary.
Reactions from Fans and the Media
The news of Chahal and Verma’s divorce has sparked mixed reactions from fans and social media users. While some have expressed sadness over their separation, others have supported their decision to move on amicably. The couple, who were once known for their fun and affectionate social media presence, had faced speculation about their relationship for some time.
Interestingly, soon after reports of the divorce surfaced, Verma restored old pictures with Chahal on Instagram, leading to further speculation. Some social media users interpreted this as an attempt to maintain a cordial public image, while others saw it as a sign that the two still share mutual respect despite their separation.
Chahal’s IPL Commitments and Personal Life Post-Divorce
With the divorce proceedings nearly concluded, Yuzvendra Chahal is set to focus on his professional commitments, particularly the IPL 2025 season. Currently playing for Punjab Kings, Chahal has been a key bowler in the league, and his team will be looking forward to his contributions in the upcoming matches.
As for Dhanashree Verma, she is expected to continue her career as a choreographer and social media influencer. She has a significant following on Instagram and YouTube, where she shares dance videos and lifestyle content.
The Chahal-Verma divorce underscores the complexities of modern relationships, especially when played out in the public eye. While their separation is undoubtedly a personal matter, the legal proceedings and financial settlement highlight the practical aspects of high-profile divorces.
With both parties agreeing to part ways amicably, the focus now shifts to their individual journeys ahead. Chahal will continue his cricketing career, and Verma will pursue her passion for dance and digital content creation. For their fans, the hope remains that both will find happiness and success in their respective paths.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.