The T20 World Cup 2026 has come under uncertainty after a deadly Nipah virus outbreak in India, threatening the International Cricket Council (ICC) event.
According to Indian media reports, multiple Nipah virus cases have been detected in West Bengal, prompting strict quarantines and an emergency health response just weeks before the tournament is set to begin on February 7.
Reports say around 100 people have been quarantined following five confirmed cases, including healthcare workers. At least two nurses in Kolkata are reportedly in critical condition.
The outbreak has raised alarm as teams, officials, and fans prepare to travel across India for the global event.
The Nipah virus, which spreads from animals such as bats to humans, carries a high fatality rate and has no vaccine or cure, increasing concerns over public safety during a major international tournament.
Alongside health fears, the World Cup already faces controversy after the ICC removed Bangladesh from the competition following their refusal to play matches in India over security concerns.
The ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to play in Sri Lanka and replaced them with Scotland.
According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is also considering protest options following the ICC’s decision to expel Bangladesh from the T20 World Cup.
The protest options include a possible boycott of Pakistan’s high-profile February 15 match against India in Colombo.
Under ICC rules, such a move would cost Pakistan two points but could cause significant financial losses for the ICC due to the commercial value of a Pakistan-India fixture.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met national team players in Lahore on Sunday and briefed them on the board’s position. The players expressed full support for the PCB’s stance.
Naqvi is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Pakistan’s final position on the tournament.