Shresta Iyer, sister of Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer, has spoken out after becoming the target of severe online harassment following the Punjab Kings' (PBKS) elimination from IPL 2026.

The online backlash ignited when an old "banter" reel resurfaced after PBKS narrowly missed out on a playoff spot by a single point. The video, filmed earlier in the season, showed Shresta celebrating after a rained-out match between PBKS and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) resulted in a point split.

A misunderstood video

Taking to Instagram to clarify the situation, Shresta explained that netizens had blown an old, lighthearted video completely out of proportion, completely missing the fact that it was just harmless joking.

She emphasized that she harbored no malice toward any team or athlete, noting that she holds all cricketers in high regard because she understands the life of an athlete firsthand through her brother. She firmly denied trying to spread negativity or target anyone maliciously.

Harassment escalates beyond social media

While online criticism is one thing, Shresta revealed that the cyberbullying quickly crossed into her real life. Aggressive fans began tracking down her professional contacts, placing abusive phone calls to her workplace, and targeting her innocent associates.

Expressing pity for the trolls, she revealed that they had resorted to harassing her coworkers, her students, and her family with abusive calls at all hours of the day.

She drew a firm line between personal internet hate and involving innocent bystanders, telling critics that while they are free to dislike her, they need to stop terrorizing the people in her personal and professional life. Defiant in her support for her family, she added that no matter the outcome on the field, she will never stop supporting and celebrating her brother's journey.

“If you want to hate me, please continue doing that, but stop harassing people associated with me,” Shresta stated firmly.

The ongoing issue of toxic fandom

This incident has once again turned the spotlight on the toxic subculture deeply embedded in cricket fandom. It highlights a recurring issue where passionate sports loyalty curdles into real-world aggression, frequently resulting in players' families being subjected to online vitriol after high-stakes losses. Similar instances of severe cyberbullying have previously targeted the families of players like Virat Kohli and Australian batsman Travis Head during intense cricketing rivalries. (With inputs from Agencies)