The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, has encountered a new challenge with reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in India.
According to Geo Super, at least five cases have been confirmed in West Bengal, prompting authorities to quarantine around 100 people as part of emergency health measures.
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Among those affected are healthcare workers, including two nurses in Kolkata who are reportedly in critical condition.
Nipah virus is a bat-borne zoonotic disease known for its high fatality rate, which can reach up to 75 per cent during certain outbreaks.
The emergence of the virus has raised concerns as international teams, officials, and fans prepare to travel to India for the tournament.
READ: Final decision on World Cup participation expected on Friday or Monday: Mohsin Naqvi
This health scare comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the T20 World Cup 2026.
Earlier this month, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) refused to travel to India, citing security concerns.
They formally requested a change in venue after the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their squad, reportedly following instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Despite negotiations, the matter could not be resolved, and the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland last week.
The decision has also left the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) deliberating on the national men’s team’s participation in the tournament.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has stated that a final decision will be made either on Friday or by next Monday.
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The T20 World Cup 2026 remains one of the most anticipated events on the cricket calendar, but the combination of health concerns and ongoing disputes continues to cast uncertainty over the preparations in India.
