Calls grow to shift T20 World Cup amid Nipah Virus health risks

ISLAMABAD: Serious Concerns are mounting that Indian authorities are downplaying the severity of a Nipah virus outbreak, raising urgent calls to relocate the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup out of India to protect international players, officials, and fans.

According to independent medical sources, at least five hospital-linked Nipah infections have occurred in Kolkata, including cases among healthcare workers exposed to nosocomial clusters, far exceeding the official tally of two cases reported by New Delhi since December 2025.

Nipah virus, known for its high fatality rate of 40–75%, poses a severe public health threat when not transparently managed.

Critics allege that the Indian government is suppressing the true scale of the outbreak to project control ahead of the global cricket tournament, which lists iconic venues such as Kolkata’s Eden Gardens among its hosts.

“The well-being of athletes and spectators must outweigh political optics,” said one international health expert, highlighting the risks of staging high-profile events near outbreak zones.

Concerns over India’s ability to safeguard international competitors have intensified following complaints from foreign players at the 2026 India Open Super 750 badminton tournament.

Participants reported unsanitary training facilities, bird droppings, stray animals, extreme cold, and hazardous air quality, conditions that prompted some athletes to withdraw, citing safety fears.

“These issues reflect systemic weaknesses in health preparedness and event management,” said a sports federation official.

With cricket venues located in proximity to areas with reported Nipah transmission, public health advocates and sports leaders are urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate all World Cup fixtures to Sri Lanka, which they say offers stronger health monitoring systems and safer facilities.

Continuing to host matches in India, critics warn, would not only put lives at risk but also signal that revenue and image take precedence over international safety and responsibility, setting a dangerous precedent for global sport.

The ICC has yet to comment on the relocation demands as international scrutiny grows over India’s handling of health risks tied to the upcoming tournament.