Joe Burns Removed as Italy Captain For Men's T20 World Cup 2026

T20 World Cup 2026: Joe Burns, who was supposed to lead the Italian side in their maiden T20 World Cup, has been removed. The Italian Cricket Federation has now confirmed the Australian will not feature in the tournament. What is understood is that despite preliminary exchanges of availability took place between the board and the player, an official agreement was not signed. 

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‘Full agreement was never reached’ - Official Statement

"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.

"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.

Burns was part of the Italian team at the sub-regional and the regional European T20 World Cup Qualifiers in the 2026 cycle, he was also leading the side and played an integral role in their qualification. Burns played eight T20Is for Italy, hitting an unbeaten hundred in the European qualifier Group A final against Romania. Under his leadership, Italy also beat Geurnsey and Scotland in the Europe Regional Final group.

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Italy's T20 WC Schedule

The Italian cricket team, featuring in their maiden T20 WC, will lock horns with Bangladesh in their tournament opener on February 9. After that, they take on Nepal in their next fixture on February 12. Italy then play the big two games against England and West Indies.