Italy have confirmed Wayne Madsen will lead the national side at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with former captain Joe Burns set to miss selection for the tournament.
The Italian Cricket Federation (Federazione Cricket Italia) released a statement late on Tuesday, reaffirming Madsen’s appointment after he was named captain in late November. The veteran batter will lead Italy during their bilateral series against Ireland in January and at the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
Burns, who captained Italy through their historic qualification campaign earlier this year, has been omitted from the federation’s plans for the global event. The board cited contractual and organisational reasons behind the decision, while stressing the need for stability and continuity within the squad.
“Madsen brings significant international and domestic experience to the position and remains a central figure within the squad’s leadership group,” the federation said.
“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. At the same time, internal technical and organisational 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.”
The federation also thanked Burns for his contribution to Italian cricket, calling his time with the national side “an important chapter” in the team’s development.
Burns, a former Australia Test opener, played a pivotal role in Italy’s remarkable rise through the European qualifiers. He led the side at the regional finals in The Hague, guiding Italy to wins over Guernsey and Scotland to secure their first-ever men’s World Cup berth.
He also represented Italy in Challenge League cricket as part of the pathway towards the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Despite the official explanation, the decision is understood to have been brewing for several months. Madsen’s appointment was first mentioned in a federation press release at the end of November, when Italy were involved in a training camp in the UAE — a camp Burns did not attend.
Italy are yet to submit their final squad for the tournament, which will mark the country’s debut at a senior ICC global event.
They begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 9, and will also face England, West Indies and Nepal in Group C.
