Italy has made a major leadership announcement ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, confirming Wayne Madsen as the captain of their men’s team for the global tournament. The decision marks a significant moment for Italian cricket as the nation prepares for its first-ever appearance at an ICC global event. 

Italy Captaincy Decision for T20 World Cup 2026

The Italian Cricket Federation (Federazione Cricket Italia) released an official statement on 17 December 2025, reaffirming that experienced batter Wayne Madsen will captain Italy at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup — which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026. (icc)

Madsen was initially appointed captain in late November, and the federation has now confirmed his leadership role as the team gears up for both its bilateral series against Ireland in January and the T20 World Cup itself. 

What Led to the Change in Captaincy

The federation’s statement clarified that former captain Joe Burns will not be part of Italy’s squad for the tournament, with no final agreement or contract reached between Burns and the governing body. 

Italy’s leadership explained that the decision was made with a focus on fostering stability, team harmony, and continuity as the national side prepares for its landmark World Cup campaign — priorities that were considered more important than short-term objectives in their planning process. 

The Italian Cricket Federation also publicly thanked Burns for his valuable service as both a player and a leader in helping Italy secure qualification for the T20 World Cup. 

Wayne Madsen: A Steady Hand at the Helm

Wayne Madsen brings a wealth of experience to the captaincy role, both domestically and internationally, and has been a central figure in Italy’s T20 setup. His appointment aims to provide continuity and confidence as Italy faces some of the world’s top teams in Group C of the tournament. 

Italy’s campaign begins with a Group C fixture against Bangladesh in Kolkata on 9 February, followed by matches against England, West Indies, and Nepal — giving Madsen and his squad a tough but exciting path in the early stages of the competition. 

Italy’s Journey to Their First World Cup

Italy’s qualification for the T20 World Cup 2026 is historic — the first time the national side has earned a spot in cricket’s premier short-format tournament. This achievement comes as cricket continues to grow rapidly in Italy, with more than 100 cricket clubs and expanding youth programs contributing to the sport’s rising profile in the country. 

Looking Ahead to T20 World Cup 2026

As Italy prepares for its global debut, the focus now shifts to finalizing the squad and refining strategies under Madsen’s leadership. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how the Azzurri perform against seasoned international sides on the world stage. 🇮🇹🏏

Stay tuned for more updates on Italy’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, fixtures, and match previews right here on the blog!