Italy axe captain Joe Burns for Men's T20 World Cup 2026

Italy will head to their maiden Men's T20 World Cup without captain Joe Burns. The Italian Cricket Federation confirmed that the former Australian will not feature in the tournament after the two parties endured contractual issues. The board also said that Wayne Madsen will lead the side in the multi-team event in India and Sri Lanka next year.

"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," the board said in an official statement.

The 36-year-old Burns was pivotal in Italy's march to the Men's T20 World Cup. He was part of the Italian team at the sub-regional and the regional European T20 World Cup Qualifiers in the 2026 cycle, and even captained the team on their path to qualification. He featured in eight T20Is for Italy, slamming an unbeaten hundred in the European qualifier Group A final against Romania. Under him, Italy also beat Guernsey and Scotland in the Europe Regional Final group, which was enough to finish second behind Netherlands and land the World Cup spot.

"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 statement added.

Madsen, the Derbyshire veteran with an Italian passport through his grandmother, made his debut for the European country in 2023 but was on County duty last year and missed Italy's qualifier games.

"Madsen brings significant international and domestic experience to the position, having already represented Italy in T20Is, and remains a central figure within the squad's leadership group," the statement added.

Madsen will lead Italy in the series against Ireland in the lead-up to the World Cup – which Italy begin against Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 9. They will also face England, West Indies and Nepal in their Group.