Calls grow to shift 2026 T20 World Cup amid Nipah virus underreporting in India

NEW DELHI (Web Desk) – Concerns are mounting over India’s preparedness to host matches of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following allegations that the severity of a Nipah virus outbreak has been underplayed in parts of eastern India.

Critics warn that incomplete disclosure of health risks could endanger international players, officials and spectators, particularly with Kolkata listed among the tournament’s host cities.

According to official statements from Indian authorities, only two Nipah virus cases have been confirmed in West Bengal since December 2025. However, independent reports cited by local and regional media claim that at least five infections have been detected in hospitals in Kolkata. These cases are said to include healthcare workers affected through hospital-acquired, or nosocomial, transmission clusters.

Medical experts note that Nipah virus is considered one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases, with reported fatality rates ranging between 40 and 75 percent. Public health specialists have repeatedly stressed that early disclosure, strict containment measures and transparent reporting are essential to prevent wider transmission.

Reports suggest that efforts are being made to present the situation as under control ahead of the global cricket tournament, despite the proximity of some cricket venues to areas where infections have allegedly been identified. Eden Gardens in Kolkata is among the grounds named as a potential World Cup venue, adding to concerns expressed by critics and analysts.

Observers argue that a lack of full transparency could expose visiting teams, match officials and travelling fans to avoidable health risks. They also point to past issues surrounding the organisation of international sporting events in India as part of a broader pattern of concern over hygiene, environmental conditions and athlete welfare.

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During the 2026 India Open Super 750 badminton tournament, several foreign players publicly complained about substandard conditions at training facilities. Athletes raised issues including unclean halls, bird droppings on courts, the presence of stray animals, extreme cold inside venues and hazardous air quality. Some players reportedly withdrew from the tournament, citing health and safety concerns.

Sports administrators and analysts say these incidents highlight structural weaknesses in event management and sanitation standards, particularly when hosting competitions involving international participants. They argue that such shortcomings, when combined with the risk of an infectious disease outbreak, raise serious questions about readiness for an event of the T20 World Cup’s scale.

Health experts have cautioned that staging matches near outbreak zones without comprehensive safeguards could be irresponsible. They stress that large sporting events require robust disease surveillance, emergency response protocols and transparent communication with international stakeholders.

In light of the situation, calls have emerged urging the International Cricket Council to consider relocating all T20 World Cup fixtures to Sri Lanka. Supporters of the move argue that Sri Lanka offers stronger health monitoring systems and facilities better equipped to ensure the safety of players and spectators.

Analysts warn that proceeding with matches in India, despite unresolved health concerns, could create the perception that commercial interests and optics are being prioritised over global safety and public health responsibilities. They add that the handling of the situation may set an important precedent for how international sporting bodies respond to health risks in future tournaments.