Former Australia opener Joe Burns has been left out of Italy’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad at the last minute, while Derbyshire legend Wayne Madsen has been named captain for the event.
Joe Burns not picked in Italy T20 World Cup squad
Former Australia opener Burns, who captained Italy in three of the eight T20Is he played for them after shifting base in 2024, has not been picked for the 2026 T20 World Cup. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Italian Cricket Federation (Federazione Cricket Italia) explained that Burns and the board did not reach a “full agreement”.
“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,” the statement said.
“Although preliminary exchanges of availability took place in recent weeks, a full agreement was never reached and, consequently, a formal contract was not signed. At the same time, internal technical and organizational evaluations led to the selection of Wayne Madsen as captain.
“This decision responds to the need to ensure stability, harmony, and continuity for the team, elements deemed to be priorities over short-term objectives. These considerations were made solely in the interest of the national team’s preparation and serenity ahead of this historic event.
“The Federation wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Joe Burns for his service to Italian cricket, both as a player and as captain.”
Burns’ journey to Italy, and Italy’s journey to the T20 World Cup
Burns played 23 Tests and six ODIs for Australia between 2014 to 2020. In 2024, aged 34, he moved to Italy as a tribute to his late brother, his mother’s heritage allowing him to qualify to play for their national team. In an Instagram post through which he announced the news of his move, Burns had written, “I am so proud to represent Italy on our path to the 2026 World Cup”.
As it happened, Burns did play an important role in Italy’s journey to their first ever senior men’s World Cup. He debuted for them in the Sub-Regional Europe Qualifier in 2024 before leading them to the final of the Europe Region Final, consequently helping them qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Joe Burns Italy record: Format Mat Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s T20Is 8 271 108* 45.16 138.97 1 1
Wayne Madsen named Italy captain for 2026 T20 World Cup
Unfortunately, Burns’ deal with Italy has fallen through, and he is set to miss the marquee event in India and Sri Lanka, starting in February 2026. Derbyshire legend Wayne Madsen, 41 years old, has been named their captain instead.
Madsen has had a storied sporting career. Born in South Africa, he represented the South African national hockey team in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2006 Hockey World Cup. He then moved to England in 2008 and has represented Derbyshire since 2009.
Having never played for England, Madsen made his international debut in 2023 for Italy at the T20 World Cup Europe Region Qualifier. The four matches he played in that tournament are his only international games till date. But now, that number is set to increase as he will take over from Burns ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
“Madsen brings significant international and domestic experience to the position, having represented already Italy in T20Is, and remains a central figure within the squad’s leadership group,” the Italian board said in their statement.
The 41-year-old county veteran has been in good T20 form this year, having scored 431 runs in the 2025 T20 Blast. Overall, he has played 216 T20 matches across his career.
Also read: Wisden’s uncapped County Championship XI of the 21st Century
Wayne Madsen career record: Format Matches Runs HS Ave SR 100s 50s T20Is 4 95 52 23.75 141.79 0 1 First-class 253 17067 231* 41.52 53.68 43 93 List A 117 3819 138 42.43 92.35 8 21 T20s 216 5406 109* 31.06 135.38 2 34
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