Italy release statement on T20 World Cup captaincy
Italy confirm Wayne Madsen will lead the team at next year's T20 World Cup after his appointment in late November, with Joe Burns to miss selection.
The Italian Cricket Federation (Federazione Cricket Italia) have confirmed Wayne Madsen will lead the side for their historic ICC Men's T20 World Cup tilt next year, replacing Joe Burns who will be omitted from the squad for the tournament.
The governing body released a statement late on Tuesday, re-affirming Madsen's position after being appointed captain of the team back in late November, and will lead the team in both his side's bilateral series against Ireland in January and at next year's global event in India and Sri Lanka from February 7.
The Italians are yet to submit their player list for the tournament next year, their first appearance at a cricket global tournament at any level of the game.
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"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. 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."
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Burns represented Italy at both sub-regional and regional European T20 World Cup Qualifiers in the 2026 cycle, the latter as skipper of the side, helping the team to qualification.
The former Australian international also took part in Challenge League cricket for Italy on the 50-over side, as part of the pathway for the next edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027.
Italy begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 9, with the team also scheduled to play against England, West Indies and Nepal in Group C.