“They Are Attacking My Friends and Family”: Travis Head’s Wife Reveals Online Abuse Storm After Kohli Clash

The wife of Australian cricketer Travis Head has revealed the extent of online abuse she and her family have received following the heated altercation between Head and Virat Kohli during the SRH vs RCB IPL match in Hyderabad on Friday, May 22.

Jessica Head told Australian media outlet The Advertiser that she woke up to her social media accounts being flooded with hateful messages and abusive comments after the incident, which saw Kohli refuse to shake hands with Head following the match.

“It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup. I woke up to my socials blasting. We are fine, but they are attacking my friends and family,” Jessica said.

The altercation between Travis Head and Kohli occurred during a wide review while RCB were chasing. Head reportedly encouraged Kohli to play more attacking cricket, prompting a sharp response from the Indian batter, who alluded to Head being used as an impact player all season. After Kohli was dismissed, Head responded with a jibe about being dismissed before he could bowl, further intensifying tensions.

This is not the first time the Heads have faced such vitriol. Similar incidents followed the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the World Test Championship final, and the Boxing Day Test in 2024, all matches where Head delivered stellar performances against India.

Jessica called for perspective and kindness in the wake of the abuse. “I think across all sports at the moment there’s an important conversation around mental health, perspective and the way we speak to one another. Passion will always be part of sport, but so is remembering there are real people and families behind the game.”

                                               

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