Kolkata/New Delhi (Web Desk): Growing concerns have surfaced as India faces renewed scrutiny for downplaying the potential threat of the Nipah virus outbreak, just ahead of several major international sports events.
Despite official reports from New Delhi stating that only two cases of the virus have been confirmed in West Bengal since December 2025, other independent sources suggest that up to five infections may be linked to hospitals in Kolkata. These include healthcare workers who are believed to have contracted the virus through exposure within medical facilities.
The Nipah virus has long been recognized for its high mortality rate, which has fluctuated between 40 and 75 percent in previous outbreaks. Its severity places it among the more dangerous infectious diseases globally.
Some critics speculate that Indian authorities may be downplaying the seriousness of the outbreak to maintain a façade of control, especially as the country prepares to host the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with Kolkata’s Eden Gardens scheduled as one of the primary venues. This has raised alarms about the potential health risks posed to players, staff, officials, and spectators if the outbreak is not contained.
The controversy surrounding public health preparedness is further compounded by ongoing dissatisfaction regarding India’s ability to maintain proper hygiene and safety measures at international sporting events. Foreign athletes participating in the 2026 India Open Super 750 badminton tournament reportedly raised concerns over unsanitary practice areas, the presence of bird droppings inside venues, stray animals, uncomfortably cold indoor conditions, and poor air quality. Several players are said to have pulled out of the tournament, citing fears over their well-being.
In light of these ongoing issues, some experts argue that India may not be fully equipped to handle global-scale sporting events while ensuring the safety of all involved. Given the proximity of certain cricket venues to regions linked to the ongoing Nipah outbreak, and recalling past organizational failures, these commentators warn that proceeding with the planned events in India could be dangerous.
Critics are now calling on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider relocating the T20 World Cup to Sri Lanka, citing the island nation’s more robust health monitoring systems and more secure facilities as better options to protect participants and fans alike.
These voices caution that allowing the tournament to proceed as scheduled in India, under the current conditions, would not only endanger lives but also send a troubling message—that the prioritization of image and revenue is more important than ensuring international safety and accountability.
