Italy’s historic qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 should have been a crowning moment for Joe Burns, the former Australia Test opener who captained the side through the European qualifiers. Instead, it ended with Burns being removed as captain and left out of the World Cup squad altogether, a decision that triggered confusion, controversy, and sharply contrasting narratives.
(updated on Feb 9, 2026)
Joe Burns Instrumental in Italy Qualifying For T20 World Cup 2026
Joe Burns was central to Italy’s rise during the 2026 T20 World Cup qualification cycle. He captained the side at the Europe Regional Final, where Italy beat Scotland and secured qualification for their first-ever global ICC tournament.
The achievement came during a personally difficult period for Burns, following the death of his brother Dominic in early 2024. Teammates and officials acknowledged his leadership and influence during this phase, and Burns also represented Italy in Challenge League cricket as part of their 50-over World Cup pathway.
Captaincy Removed, Squad Spot Gone
On December 18, 2025, Italian cricket announced that Burns had been replaced as captain and would not be selected in the Italy squad for T20 World Cup 2026. The official explanation was brief and vague, citing a failure to reach a contract agreement.
“The Federation can confirm 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.” — the statement read.
Wayne Madsen was named as the new captain, with Italy later confirming him as leader for both bilateral series and the T20 World Cup 2026 itself. But on the opening day of the T20 World Cup, Wayne Madsen injury saw him walk off with a dislocated shoulder in the Scotland vs Italy match, putting his availability for the rest of the tournament in doubt.
Joe Burns’ WhatsApp Message: “My Standards Were Above Italian Cricket”
The situation became clearer after WhatsApp messages sent by Burns to his teammates emerged, revealing his version of events.
In a message dated November 12, Burns wrote: “In my experience, we needed to address systems, processes, communication and integrity behind the scenes to give us the best chance on the field. Their response was that my standards were above the standards of Italian cricket.”
Burns said his concerns were not about money or selection, but about off-field governance and operational issues that had gone unresolved. He added: “Since then, a lot of inaccurate and disparaging information has been circulated about me, and used as an excuse for poor operations. The reality of events has been misrepresented and, as a result, many have been misinformed, even if not intentionally.”
Joe Burns vs Italian Cricket Federation
Italian cricket later suggested that the split was due to a failure to agree on terms for the World Cup period. Burns directly disputed that claim in his message.
“Bizarrely, the Federation is now saying this is because I didn’t agree to the WC/Nov proposal. To be clear, I accepted their proposal on three separate occasions, which was for less payment than pre-qualifying”.
Burns also revealed that he had declined a captain’s bonus.
Despite the split, Burns received public backing from Italy’s head of performance Marco Mastrorocco, who told ESPNcricinfo that Burns was a “person of high integrity”.
Wayne Madsen Takes Over As Italy Squad For T20 World Cup 2026 Is Finalised
With the leadership question settled, Italy moved quickly to lock in their personnel for a landmark tournament. Wayne Madsen has been confirmed as captain for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, a role he had already assumed in late November following Burns’ removal. The decision, according to the Italian Cricket Federation, was aimed at ensuring “stability, harmony, and continuity” in the lead-up to Italy’s first appearance at a global ICC event.
Italy have named a 15-man squad that blends long-serving associates stalwarts with a handful of players carrying high-level international or professional experience. As expected, Joe Burns’ name is absent, formally closing the chapter on his involvement with the national side for the World Cup. Emilio Gay, who. is a popular name in England county circuit, was expected to make the cut, but misses the tournament because of an injury.
Italy squad for T20 World Cup 2026: Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.
Former South Africa International JJ Smuts Named In Italy Squad For T20 World Cup 2026
One of the most notable inclusions is JJ Smuts, the former South Africa international, who adds experience at the highest level and extra depth as a batting all-rounder. Smuts has previously played T20Is for South Africa and is expected to be a key figure in Italy’s middle order and leadership group. Emilio Gay, meanwhile, misses out after being ruled unavailable through injury.
The squad reflects the core group that powered Italy through the Europe qualifiers, particularly their famous win over Scotland, while also leaning on players with county or franchise exposure to help bridge the gap at World Cup level.
Italy have been drawn into Group C, where they face a steep challenge against established full-member sides England, West Indies, and Bangladesh, alongside Nepal. Their tournament will begin against Bangladesh on February 9 in Kolkata, before a second group match against Nepal in Mumbai.
Check out all squads for T20 World Cup 2026 and the major talking points ahead of the tournament.
