Ahmedabad, May 25,2026: Australian cricketer Travis Head and his wife Jessica have reportedly faced a wave of online abuse following a heated on-field exchange with India batting star Virat Kohli during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match.
The incident occurred during a T20 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday, where both players were seen exchanging words on the field.
Following Kohli’s dismissal for 15 runs and his team’s 55-run defeat, tensions continued during the post-match handshake as Kohli reportedly ignored Head’s extended hand while greeting other players.
In the aftermath, social media accounts belonging to Head and his wife were flooded with abusive comments, reportedly from sections of fans reacting to the on-field confrontation.
Jessica Head told The Advertiser that her friends and family had also received hateful private messages, describing the situation as distressing.
“I woke up to my socials blasting… we are fine but they are attacking my friends and family,” she said, adding that while passion is an integral part of sport, it should not extend to personal abuse directed at families.
She further urged fans to remember that players and their loved ones are “real people behind the game,” calling for greater kindness and restraint online.
Jessica also said the incident felt similar to earlier episodes of online harassment following the 2023 ODI World Cup, when Australia defeated India in the final in Ahmedabad.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over escalating online abuse directed at international athletes and their families in high-pressure sporting rivalries.
