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Joe Burns, who captained Italy to 2026 World Cup qualification, removed as skipper
22 Dec, 2025
Joe Burns had guided the Italians to the 2026 T20 World Cup, their first-ever entry in a Cricket World Cup; Wayne Madsen will lead the team
The Italian Cricket Federation has removed former Australia international Joe Burns as captain of the men’s national T20 cricket team and appointed Wayne Madsen in his place.
Madsen will lead the team in the forthcoming T20I series against Ireland and subsequently at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year, succeeding Joe Burns in the role.
Burns had guided the Italians to the 2026 T20 World Cup, their first-ever entry in a Cricket 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,” said a statement from the Federazione Cricket Italiana (Italian Cricket Federation).
“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.”
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. 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 represented Italy at the Rome and Uganda tournaments in 2024 and captained the national side during the qualifying campaign in the Netherlands in July 2025, which culminated in Italy qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time in its history. His contribution represents an important chapter in the continued development of the Italian national team.
Joe Burns, T20 World Cup, Wayne Madsen, Italy cricket