As cricket fans wait for the T20 World Cup 2026 to begin next week, a new controversy has surfaced. Reports claimed that Australia and England are worried about travelling to India due to a recent Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal.
According to a report by InsideSport, the two teams were said to be uneasy about playing matches in India, especially in Bengal. Eden Gardens in Kolkata is set to host seven matches in the tournament, including a high-profile semi-final.
The Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal was reported in late 2025 and early 2026. These were the state’s first cases since 2007. Two 25-year-old nurses, one male and one female, working at a hospital in Barasat near Kolkata, showed symptoms in late December 2025. RT-PCR tests confirmed the virus on January 13, 2026.
Medical teams are working round the clock to control the situation and prevent it from turning into a COVID-like outbreak. This health scare led to speculation that foreign teams might avoid travelling to the region.
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However, the rumours were later challenged. Gaurav Gupta of The Times of India said on Twitter that claims about Australia and England refusing to play in India are not true.
Australia are scheduled to play all their group-stage matches in Sri Lanka. They will only travel to India after the first round. England, meanwhile, have two matches in Bengal, against Scotland on February 14 and Italy on February 16.
Fact checks suggest there is no official move by either team to withdraw. The reports are based on general health concerns, not on any formal complaint to the ICC.
The story shows how health fears can quickly create panic before big events. Right now, there is no official refusal by any team. The tournament plans remain unchanged, but the situation will be closely watched.
