Travis Head’s family targeted online after IPL clash with Virat Kohli

Australian cricketer Travis Head and his wife Jessica have reportedly faced a wave of online abuse after a heated exchange with Indian cricket star Virat Kohli during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match.

The incident took place during a T20 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where tensions flared between players on the field. According to match reports, both cricketers exchanged words during play before Kohli was dismissed for a low score and his team went on to suffer a heavy defeat.

Following the match, further tension was observed during the customary post-match handshakes, where Kohli reportedly did not acknowledge Head’s handshake attempt, although he greeted other players.

In the aftermath, social media accounts belonging to Head and his wife were flooded with abusive and hostile comments, allegedly from sections of fans reacting to the on-field confrontation.

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Jessica Head told media that not only she but also friends and family members had received threatening and abusive messages online. She described waking up to a surge in harmful content and stressed that the situation had affected people beyond just the players involved.

She also highlighted that such incidents are becoming a recurring issue in modern cricket, referencing similar online abuse following the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where Australia defeated India in the final.

Despite the controversy, she emphasized that sport should be remembered for its competitive spirit while also maintaining respect for players and their families, urging fans to show restraint and avoid targeting individuals off the field.