The Italian Cricket Federation has removed Joe Burns as captain of the Italy men’s T20 World Cup 2026 team. The Italian selectors have also excluded him from Italy’s plans for the 2026 World Cup. The decision ends a brief but emotional chapter in Italian cricket history. Burns is a former Australian Test opener. He played 23 Tests for Australia.
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He later qualified for Italy through his mother’s heritage. Personal loss drove his move to Italian cricket, as he sought renewal late in his career. Burns had been Italy’s captain during a historic period. Under his leadership, Italy achieved qualification for its first-ever men’s T20 World Cup.
That achievement came after a strong run through European qualifying events over the past 18 months. Despite those results, the Italian Cricket Federation, known as the FRCI, has now moved on. The board confirmed that Burns will not be part of the squad moving forward. That includes the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Wayne Madsen Named New Captain | T20 World Cup 2026 Tickets Available
The FRCI has appointed Wayne Madsen as Italy’s new captain. Madsen is a veteran batter and a long-serving player for Derbyshire in English county cricket. He brings extensive leadership experience at the domestic level. Madsen will lead Italy in an upcoming series against Ireland. He is also expected to captain the side during the T20 World Cup 2026.
His appointment signals a clear shift in direction by the Italian board. The change did not come without warning. Madsen was first named as captain in an FRCI press release in late November. At the time, Italy were holding a training camp in the UAE. Madsen was present with the squad. Burns was not included in that camp. His absence raised early questions about his future.
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Derbyshire also released a statement around the same time. That statement confirmed Madsen’s appointment as Italy captain. The board has framed the move as a step toward long-term stability. It has emphasised leadership continuity over short-term outcomes. This language suggests concerns that go beyond on-field performance.
Burns’ Emotional Journey with Italy
Burns’ time with Italy was deeply personal. He joined the national setup after the death of his brother in early 2024. That loss had a profound impact on his life and career. Seeking a new purpose, Burns chose to represent Italy. He qualified through family heritage. Later that year, he was appointed captain. The role gave him renewed focus and direction.
Burns wore the number 85 jersey as a tribute to his late brother. That gesture resonated with teammates and fans. His leadership was seen as both emotional and professional. On the field, his impact was immediate. Italy recorded key wins against Guernsey and Scotland in Europe’s regional qualifier.
Those matches were played in The Hague. The victories sealed Italy’s historic qualification for the World Cup. Fans and experts widely praised the qualification campaign. Experts described it as one of the most emotional stories in recent associate cricket. Burns was central to that narrative.
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Contract Dispute and Board Explanation | Buy T20 World Cup Tickets
The FRCI’s official statement offered limited detail. The board cited issues related to availability and contractual terms.The board said it never finalised a full agreement. The statement said that although preliminary exchanges of availability took place, they never reached a full agreement. The statement added that the parties had not signed any formal contract.
However, people close to the situation suggest the matter runs deeper. Observers believe tensions have existed since at least October. The board hinted at broader concerns without naming them directly. In its statement, the FRCI said the decision was made to ensure stability, harmony, and continuity.
These elements were described as priorities over short-term objectives, including the T20 World Cup 2026. Burns believed that the issue had been resolved. He reportedly told the board multiple times that he accepted their terms. He also confirmed his availability to play.
Marco Mastrorocco, Italy’s head of performance, supported Burns’ position. He confirmed his involvement in communications between Burns and the FRCI. Mastrorocco acted as a translator during those exchanges.
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“Joe made it clear that he accepted the deal, Mastrorocco said. I am shocked by the decision.”
Reaction and Burns’ On-Field Record
Mastrorocco spoke highly of Burns’ contribution. He described him as a professional of high integrity. He also praised Burns’ influence on the culture of Italian cricket. Burns’ statistics support that view. He played eight T20 Internationals for Italy. He scored one century and one half-century. Burns’ averaged 45 in the format.
His strike rate was close to 140. That level of output is rare in associate cricket. It made Burns one of Italy’s most reliable batters. Despite the circumstances, the FRCI has expressed formal gratitude. The board thanked Burns for his service. It described his tenure as an important chapter in the team’s development.
The board also stated it would not comment further. That decision closes the door on public clarification. It leaves several questions unanswered as Italy prepares for the T20 World Cup 2026. For Burns, the outcome is a bitter one. He helped build the path to qualification. He will now watch from the outside. For Italy, the focus shifts to a new leader and a new chapter on the global stage.
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