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The news of England and Australia boycotting the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled to start on February 7 due to concerns about Nipah virus in India has not been officially confirmed. Although India has reported cases, there is no indication that the tournament is under threat or that any team plans to withdraw.
Following reports of an outbreak of Nipah virus in West Bengal, speculation started spreading on social media. Some posts claimed that athletes were in danger and accused India and the BCCI of ignoring the safety of athletes. The situation is so serious that countries such as China and parts of Southeast Asia are taking extra precautions.
England, Australia boycott 2026 T20 World Cup?
Claims that England and Australia are planning to boycott the 2026 T20 World Cup over concerns about the Nipah virus are false. While some media reports have hinted at concerns about traveling to India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has dismissed any suggestion that the tournament is under threat.
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The reports were later debunked by Gaurav Gupta, who confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the boycott claims were false and asked readers to ignore them.
“This is fake news…please ignore it! #T20WC2026,” Gupta wrote.
This is fake news…please ignore it! #T20WC2026https://t.co/IJJij6G95j
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) January 31, 2026
Continuously monitoring the situation – Ministry of Health
The Nipah virus situation in West Bengal is not new and has been brought under control. In December, two female nurses tested positive. Both patients have been isolated and receiving treatment, while their contacts have been traced and tested, with all contacts testing negative.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said central and state health agencies took prompt action to step up surveillance, test samples and conduct on-site inspections. Officials confirmed that they will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary public health measures.
“Intensified surveillance, laboratory testing and field investigations through coordinated efforts by central and state health agencies have ensured timely containment of cases. No further cases of Nipah virus disease have been detected so far. We are continuously monitoring the situation and all necessary public health measures are in place,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement.
What is Nipah virus? Why is it in the news?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus is a disease that is transmitted from animals to humans, but it can also be spread through contaminated food or close contact between people.
The disease was first detected among pig farmers in Malaysia in 1998 and subsequently emerged in Singapore in 1999 after diseased pigs were imported. The virus has a fatality rate of 40-75% and there is currently no vaccine or treatment.
To date, 756 cases and 435 deaths have been reported globally. Unlike COVID-19, there is no evidence that Nipah virus is spread through the air, but it can spread through droplets if an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Countries such as Nepal, Thailand and Indonesia have started thermal screening at airports, while Australia is watching developments closely. In India, the first case of Nipah was reported in 2001 in Siliguri, West Bengal.
