Joe Burns sacked as Italy captain ahead of T20 World Cup 2026; board issues official statement
Published - 17 Dec 2025, 11:13 AM | Updated - 17 Dec 2025, 11:14 AM
The Italian Cricket Federation (Federazione Cricket Italia) have named Wayne Madsen as their new captain for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Joe Burns, who led the side and played a key role in guiding Italy to their first-ever T20 World Cup qualification, will not be included in the squad.
Burns represented the Italy national side in tournaments in Rome and Uganda in 2024. The former Australian batter also led the team during the crucial qualifiers in the Netherlands in July 2025. The team qualified for their first Men’s T20 World Cup. His absence from the upcoming squad is a major shift for Italian cricket.
Joe Burns Will Not Be Selected as Part of Italy’s Squad - Italian Cricket Federation
The Italy cricket board confirmed that Joe Burns will not be part of the squad after talks over his availability failed to lead to a formal agreement. Despite initial discussions in recent weeks, the two sides could not finalize terms or sign a contract. The federation also backed Wayne Madsen as the new captain.
"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," Italy's governing body said in their 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 preliminary exchanges of availability took place in recent weeks, a full agreement was never reached and, consequently, a formal contract was not signed."
Sincere Thanks to Joe Burns for His Service - Italian Cricket Federation
The board said that leaving Burns out was a considered choice rather than a reflection of 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, internal technical and organizational evaluations led to the selection of Wayne Madsen as captain," the statement added.
"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."
Italy to Begin T20 World Cup Campaign Against Bangladesh
Joe Burns played an important role in Italy’s recent success. He featured in both sub-regional and regional European T20 World Cup qualifiers and captained the side during the final stage, which helped Italy secure qualification.
The former Australian player also represented Italy in 50-over Challenge League matches, which form part of the pathway toward the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Italy will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 9. They will also face England, the West Indies, and Nepal in Group C. The federation said it will not comment further on individual players.
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