Amid Chahal-Dhanashree divorce, know high-profile cricket splits and socio-financial implications

Recent years have seen a surge in high-profile divorces among Indian cricketers. Hardik Pandya and Natasa Stankovic announced their separation in 2024 after four years of marriage. Shikhar Dhawan's divorce from Aesha Mukherjee in 2021 was granted on grounds of mental cruelty. Mohammad Shami's tumultuous divorce from Hasin Jahan, which began in 2018, involved accusations of domestic abuse and adultery. Yuzvendra Chahal and Dhanashree Verma's recent rumours of divorce have garnered massive media attention. 

All these cases highlight the challenges faced by cricketers in maintaining personal relationships amidst their high-pressure careers and public scrutiny.

Financial Implications of Cricket Divorces

Divorce settlements for cricketers often involve substantial financial commitments.  Mohammad Shami was ordered by a West Bengal court to pay monthly alimony of Rs 1,30,000, split between personal alimony and child allowance. Hasin Jahan, Shami's ex-wife, initially demanded Rs 10,00,000 per month, citing Shami's annual income of around Rs 7 crore. In Hardik Pandya's case, reports suggest he may have to allocate 20-30% of his annual income as alimony. These high-value settlements reflect the substantial earnings of top cricketers and the financial stakes involved in their marriages.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya, Esha Deol to Isha Koppikar: 5 shocking celebrity divorces in 2024

Impact on Careers and Public Image

Such high-profile divorces can significantly impact a cricketer's career and public image. Mohammad Shami's case led to his temporary exclusion from the central contract of BCCI amid match-fixing allegations, though they which were later dismissed. 

Shikhar Dhawan's divorce coincided with a decline in his on-field performance, eventually leading to his exclusion from the national team. The public nature of these divorces often leads to intense media scrutiny and can affect sponsorship deals and brand endorsements. However, some players, like Dinesh Karthik, have managed to rebuild their careers and public image post-divorce.

Celebrity Marriages in Cricket

The trend of cricketers marrying celebrities, particularly actresses or models, has been notable. Hardik Pandya's marriage to actress Natasa Stankovic and Virat Kohli's high-profile union with Anushka Sharma are prime examples. These marriages often face unique challenges due to the public nature of both partners' careers, conflicting schedules, and intense media attention. 

Mohammad Azharuddin and actress Sangeeta Bijlani, Shoaib Malik and tennis star Sania Mirza ’s divorces further illustrate the complexities of such unions. Despite the risks, many cricketers continue to pursue relationships with public figures, attracted by shared lifestyles and mutual understanding of fame.

Legal and Social Implications

The increasing number of cricket divorces has raised legal and social questions. Courts are now more frequently dealing with high-value divorce settlements involving cricketers. The BCCI has even considered launching divorce insurance for its players, reflecting the financial risks involved. 

Socially, these divorces have sparked debates about the pressures of fame, the challenges of maintaining relationships in the public eye, and the evolving nature of marriage in modern India. 

Also Read: After Yuzvendra Chahal, KKR batsman Manish Pandey sparks divorce rumours with wife Ashrita Shetty

Meanwhile, some critics argue that the glamorous lifestyle and constant travel associated with cricket careers contribute to marital instability while others point to broader societal changes affecting marriage institutions.