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The popular sports anchor, who has gained popularity for her vibrant presentation of IPL matches, is currently at the receiving end of a massive backlash on social media for IPL 2026. Old videos and pictures of her are doing the rounds on social media, resulting in a lot of anger against her.
The reason for the backlash on social media against Sahiba Bali for the IPL 2026 is linked to her past comments on controversial subjects, such as The Kashmir Files, her visit to Pakistan, etc. There is also concern about Sahiba Bali’s work as a sports anchor for Star Sports and her connection with the Punjab Kings for the IPL 2026.
Who is Sahiba Bali?
Sahiba Bali is a popular sports presenter, actress, and influencer who belongs to a Kashmiri background. She has built a big name in cricket broadcasting with her energetic style during IPL matches. In IPL 2026, she is working as a key anchor for Star Sports, handling match coverage and player interviews.
She is popular among her followers because of her content on Instagram. She shares behind-the-scenes moments of IPL events. She has gained 800k+ followers for her content with popular brands such as Zomato and Unacademy. She is also popular among Punjab Kings (PBKS) fans because of her affiliation with Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.
But now, this IPL 2026 Sahiba Bali backlash on social media has put her in a bad light. Netizens are digging up her old statements right as IPL 2026 heats up.
The Kashmir Files Controversy
One main reason for IPL 2026 Sahiba Bali backlash on social media is her old clip on The Kashmir Files movie. In the video, she called the film “crap” and “propaganda.” The movie shows the pain of Kashmiri Pandits during their exodus, a tough part of history.
Many believe that her words have hurt the sentiments of many Kashmiri Pandit families. According to them, it is not correct for a person of Kashmiri origin to dismiss such a story. Hashtags like #BoycottSahibaBali are trending, with calls to remove her from IPL 2026 broadcasts.
This clip went viral just before IPL 2026 started. People tag Star Sports and ask why they picked her for IPL 2026 coverage.
Pakistan Trip Remarks Spark Anger
Another big trigger in IPL 2026, Sahiba Bali’s backlash on social media, is her childhood visit to Pakistan. In an old interview, she praised the hospitality of the people there. She spoke positively about her trip from her early years.
This, according to netizens, shows that she holds pro-Pakistan opinions, especially with the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry in IPL talks. There are many comments on her posts, claiming that she is biased against India. Even her origin from Kashmir has something to do with it, considering the current border issues.
This mixes with IPL 2026 hype, where Pakistan player bans are always a topic. Fans say sports presenters must stay away from such politics during IPL 2026.
Beef Eating Allegations and Temple Visit
A viral Instagram video added fuel to the IPL 2026 Sahiba Bali backlash on social media. It questions her Mahakal Temple visit in Ujjain after photos allegedly show her eating beef. Beef is a touchy issue in Hindu culture, and temple visits mean purity for many.
The creator in the video asks how she can pray at a holy site with such habits. Photos from her social media past are shared widely. This has upset religious fans who follow IPL 2026 closely.
No proof confirms the beef photos, but the doubt hurts her image. People connect it to her public life as an IPL 2026 presenter.
Textbook Changes Draw Criticism
Sahiba Bali once slammed NCERT for removing Mughal and Delhi Sultanate chapters from textbooks. She said it is bizarre to erase history. This view from 2025 has resurfaced in the IPL 2026 Sahiba Bali backlash on social media.
Impact on IPL 2026 Role
This IPL 2026 Sahiba Bali backlash on social media hits her Star Sports job and PBKS links. Fans on Reddit and X speculate if PBKS will cut her digital promos. Franchises like PBKS want safe images for all fans.
Star Sports has not commented yet. Bali stays quiet too, focusing on IPL 2026 work. However, there are trending tags for her to boycott. Being a hybrid content creator, it is hard for her. Old personal views now judge her for her work in IPL 2026.
Also Read: IPL 2026 Injured Players Full List: Who Misses Season Opener?
Public Reaction and Social Media Storm
Social media is on fire over IPL 2026 Sahiba Bali backlash on social media. Instagram reels and X posts get lakhs of views. Supporters say give her freedom of speech, but most demand action. Kashmiri groups feel betrayed by her film remarks. Religious handles share the beef video. It shows how fast cancel culture spreads in the IPL season.
