Joe Burns, a former Australian international who led Italy to a historic first-ever qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, will not be included in the team for the international competition that will take place in Sri Lanka and India next year. After conversations about Joe Burns’ availability, the Italian Cricket Federation informed on Tuesday, December 16, that he has been excluded. The two parties have not yet achieved a final agreement or contract.
Just months after leading the side through a historic qualification campaign in the Netherlands in July 2025, Joe Burns’ exclusion is a momentous occasion for Italian cricket. Italy made their first appearance at a Men’s T20 World Cup under his direction, which was a significant accomplishment for a country that was just getting started on the global scene.
The Federation declared in the same release that Wayne Madsen had been named captain of the Italian men’s T20 team. Before officially replacing Burns as captain, the seasoned hitter will captain Italy on their next Twenty20 International trip of Ireland. Madsen, a former Italy player, is seen as an important member of the team and part of the long-term coaching and development plan for the national team.
Although Joe Burns’ omission may surprise some considering his recent leadership position, the Federation stressed that stability, unity, and continuity were the main considerations in the decision-making process as Italy gets ready for the biggest event in its cricketing history. At this point, Madsen was determined to be the best leader, with long-term team balance taking precedent over immediate concerns.
Joe Burns’ services were also honoured by the Italian Cricket Federation, who recognised his impact on and off the pitch.
Joe Burns captained the team throughout the pivotal qualifying campaign in 2024 and competed for Italy in competitions in Rome and Uganda. His leadership of Italy to their first World Cup berth was hailed as a significant turning point in the team’s evolution.
On February 9, Italy’s World Cup campaign will start in Kolkata against Bangladesh. In order to concentrate entirely on preparations and guarantee a peaceful build-up before the team’s historic debut on cricket’s largest stage, the Federation also stated that it would not comment on specific issues going forward.
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