ISLAMABAD: Preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 have been overshadowed by a deadly Nipah virus outbreak in India after health authorities confirmed multiple cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, raising concerns over player and spectator safety weeks before the tournament start.
India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to co-host the 20-team tournament from February 7 to March 8, with matches planned in several Indian cities.
Health officials in West Bengal have confirmed at least five cases of Nipah virus infection this month, according to Indian media citing public health sources.
The cases were detected among healthcare workers at a hospital in Barasat, near Kolkata.
Patients were transferred to an infectious diseases hospital in Kolkata, while around 100 close contacts were placed under quarantine. No deaths have been reported yet.
Indian authorities have described the situation as contained. However, independent sources warned of worst situation. The outbreak has prompted heightened surveillance and emergency response measures.
Regional alarm
Nipah is a zoonotic virus carried primarily by fruit bats. It can spread to humans through contaminated food, infected animals or close human-to-human contact.
The disease is known for its high fatality rate, estimated between 40% and 75% in past outbreaks. There is no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, and care is largely supportive.
NEWS ALERT: 🚨🇮🇳
Nipah, a dangerous virus, is quickly spreading in West Bengal, India.
It's got a high fatality rate of 40–75%, can spread from person to person, and currently has no confirmed cure or vaccine. #Nipah #nipahvirus pic.twitter.com/0fUvJAx37l
— Globe Observer (@_GlobeObserver) January 25, 2026
The outbreak has triggered concern beyond India’s borders. Thailand has begun screening passengers arriving from West Bengal at three international airports.
Nepal has also stepped up monitoring at Kathmandu airport and at land crossings with India.
China and other Asian countries have reportedly reviewed airport health protocols as a precautionary measure.
Calls for ICC action
The health scare has sparked debate on social media over whether the International Cricket Council (ICC) should reconsider the tournament’s schedule or venues.
Senior journalist Ather Kazmi wrote on X that the ICC “must put player and fan safety first” and suggested the World Cup should be shifted.
With the virus situation raising real health concerns, ICC must put player & fan safety first.The T20 World Cup should be postponed or shifted to a safer venue. #India #NipahVirus #T20WorldCup #PlayerSafety #cricket #T20WorldCup2026 https://t.co/b9X7oQH5qc
— Ather Kazmi (@2Kazmi) January 28, 2026
UK-based journalist Ihtisham Ul Haq also questioned the tournament’s viability, citing the virus’s fatality rate and the confirmation of cases in West Bengal and Kerala.
A Nipah virus outbreak in India's West Bengal and Kerala states, with 2-5 cases so far, sparking global concern due to its high fatality rate (up to 70%). It's a zoonotic virus from fruit bats, causing severe symptoms like fever and encephalitis. What about T20 World Cup now?
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) January 28, 2026
Another X user warned of potential risks at major venues such as Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while Global Monitor said the ICC could not treat the outbreak “casually” given the lethality of the virus.
"With a 75% fatality rate, Nipah isn't just a 'security concern'—it’s a life-or-death decision. The ICC cannot treat a lethal virus with the same casualness they used for the Bangladesh-India travel dispute. Safety isn't negotiable."
— "Global Monitor" (@GlobalMonirh) January 28, 2026
World Cup already under strain
The Nipah outbreak compounds an already controversial build-up to the tournament.
Earlier this month, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to send its team to India, citing security concerns.
The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to play its matches in Sri Lanka and replaced the team with Scotland.
The decision drew criticism and prompted a strong reaction from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said Pakistan is reviewing its participation and that a final decision would be taken shortly.
The ICC and host boards now face a dual challenge: managing diplomatic tensions among member boards while addressing a serious public health threat.
