Fresh uncertainties loom over the upcoming T20 World Cup in India as a Nipah virus outbreak sparks alarm in the region.

With health alerts issued across various Asian airports, Pakistan has publicly called for the tournament to be relocated from India due to safety concerns.

Unlike previous uncertainties surrounding the tournament which were often political, the current threat is an unfolding health crisis.

The Nipah virus has reportedly spread to various provinces, including West Bengal, triggering panic within the host nation. The outbreak was traced to a private hospital near Kolkata, where it has already claimed one life. Authorities have placed at least 100 individuals in quarantine, and a nurse at the facility is reported to be in critical condition.

Dr. Narendra Kumar, President of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), expressed grave concern regarding the situation.

He warned that the infection could spread to hundreds more in the immediate future. Since there is currently no vaccine for the Nipah virus, medical experts fear that a failure to contain the outbreak could lead to a crisis reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The potential for a wider spread has prompted immediate international precautions. Countries such as Thailand, Nepal, and Vietnam have issued high alerts at their airports, implementing mandatory health screenings for all passengers arriving from India.

Amidst the escalating health crisis, Pakistan has raised serious questions regarding the feasibility of hosting a mega-event like the T20 World Cup in India.

The issue has dominated discussions across Pakistani media and social platforms, leading to demands that the entire tournament be shifted to Sri Lanka. While Pakistan has been vocal about the venue change, other participating nations have maintained silence on the issue so far.

As the situation develops, the primary concern remains whether hosting the World Cup will be viable if the virus evolves into a epidemic.