There is no official confirmation about England and Australia boycotting the T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to begin on February 7, due to Nipah virus fears in India. Although cases have been reported in India, there is no indication that the tournament is under threat or that any team plans to withdraw.
Speculation has spread on social media following reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in West Bengal. Some posts claim that athletes are at risk and accuse India and the BCCI of ignoring player safety. The situation is so severe that countries like China and parts of Southeast Asia are taking extra precautions.
England, Australia Boycotting T20 World Cup 2026?
Claims that England and Australia are planning to boycott the T20 World Cup 2026 due to Nipah virus fears are false. While some media reports suggested concerns about travelling 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 fake and asked readers to ignore them.
“This is fake news am told..pls ignore! #T20WC2026,” Gupta wrote.
This is fake news am told..pls ignore! #T20WC2026https://t.co/IJJij6G95j
— Gaurav Gupta (@toi_gauravG) January 31, 2026
Situation Under Constant Monitoring – Health Ministry
The Nipah virus situation in West Bengal is not new and is under control. Two female nurses tested positive in December. Both patients are quarantined and receiving treatment, while their contacts were traced and tested, all of whom returned negative results.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that central and state health agencies acted quickly by increasing surveillance, testing samples, and conducting field checks. Officials confirmed that the situation continues to be monitored with all required public health measures in place.
“Enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing, and field investigations were undertaken through coordinated efforts of Central and State health agencies, which ensured timely containment of the cases. No additional Nipah Virus Disease cases have been detected so far. The situation is under constant monitoring, and all necessary public health measures are in place,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement.
What Is the Nipah Virus and Why Is It in the News?
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus is a disease that spreads from animals to humans, but it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or close contact between people.
It was first identified in 1998 in Malaysia among pig farmers and later appeared in Singapore in 1999 after sick pigs were imported. The virus has a high fatality rate of 40-75%, and there is currently no vaccine or cure.
So far, there have been 756 reported cases worldwide, with 435 deaths. Unlike COVID-19, there is no evidence that Nipah spreads through the air, but it can spread through droplets if an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Countries like Nepal, Thailand, and Indonesia have started thermal screening at airports, while Australia is closely monitoring the situation. In India, the first Nipah case was reported in 2001 in Siliguri, West Bengal.
Also read: Pat Cummins out of T20 World Cup 2026, Steve Smith denied spot despite CSK star’s shock axing
