The Italian Cricket Federation (Federazione Cricket Italia) has appointed Wayne Madsen as its new captain for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Joe Burns, who led the team and was instrumental in guiding Italy to T20 World Cup qualification for the first time, will not be included in the squad.
Burns represented the Italy national team at tournaments in Rome and Uganda in 2024. The former Australian batsman also led the team during the crucial qualifiers in the Netherlands in July 2025. The team qualified for its first Men’s T20 World Cup. His absence from the upcoming squad is a big change for Italian cricket.
Joe Burns will not be selected in Italy team – Italian Cricket Federation
The Italy Cricket Board confirmed that Joe Burns will not be part of the squad as talks over his availability failed to reach a formal agreement. Despite preliminary discussions in recent weeks, the two sides could not finalize terms or sign a contract. The federation also endorsed Wayne Madsen as the new captain.
“Madsen brings significant international and domestic experience to the position, having already represented Italy in T20Is and remains a central figure within the team’s leadership group,” Italy’s governing body said in a statement.
“The Federation can also confirm that Joe Burns will not be selected as part of Italy’s squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”
“Although initial exchanges of availability occurred in recent weeks, a full agreement was never reached and, as a result, a formal contract was not signed.”
Heartfelt thanks to Joe Burns for his service – Italian Cricket Federation
The board said that excluding Burns was a deliberate choice rather than a reflection on his recent contributions. As the team prepares for the biggest tournament in its history, the federation said it prioritizes long-term stability and a settled leadership group.
“At the same time, due to an internal technical and organizational assessment, Wayne Madsen was selected as captain,” the statement said.
“This decision responds to the need to ensure stability, harmony and continuity for the team, elements that are considered to take priority over short-term objectives. These considerations were made solely in the interest of the national team’s preparation and peace of mind ahead of this historic event.”
“The Federation would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Joe Burns for his service to Italian cricket as both a player and captain.”
Italy to begin T20 World Cup campaign against Bangladesh
Joe Burns played a key role in Italy’s recent success. He participated in both the sub-regional and regional European T20 World Cup qualifiers and captained the team during the final stages, helping Italy achieve qualification.
The former Australian player also represented Italy in the 50-over Challenge League matches, part of the road to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Italy will begin its T20 World Cup campaign against Bangladesh on February 9 in Kolkata. They will also face England, West Indies and Nepal in Group C. The federation said it would not comment further on individual players.
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