Joe Burns will not play in the T20 World Cup 2026 after being dropped as Italy’s captain. Here’s what happened and why Italy made the call.
Joe Burns’ Sudden Exit From T20 World
Joe Burns' journey with Italy has come to an unexpected end. The former Australian opener has been removed as captain and dropped from Italy's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, despite playing a key role in helping the team qualify for the tournament.
This decision has surprised many cricket fans, especially since Burns was considered the face of Italy's historic qualification campaign.
How Joe Burns Became Part of Italy’s
After qualifying through his Italian roots, Joe Burns joined Italy in 2024. At that time, the move drew plenty of attention. Here was a former Australia Test player choosing to represent a developing cricket nation.
Burns didn't just bring experience; he led the team, scored crucial runs, and instilled in Italy the belief that they belonged on the international stage. Under his captaincy, Italy qualified for the T20 World Cup for the first time, a moment that changed the course of the country's cricket history.
Italy's decision to move on from Joe Burns
According to the Italian Cricket Federation, the decision was not about form alone. Talks around availability and long-term commitment never reached a final agreement. With no contract signed, the board chose not to include Burns in their World Cup plans.
Italy said the move was made to avoid uncertainty and to keep the squad settled ahead of such a big tournament. They also thanked Joe Burns publicly for his contribution and leadership during the qualification phase.
Still, for many fans, it feels like a tough ending to a partnership that brought Italy so close to a dream moment.
Wayne Madsen - Italy's new captain
Italy has now handed the captaincy to Wayne Madsen, a player with years of experience in English county cricket and previous appearances for Italy.
The board believes that Madsen provides calm leadership and understands the demands of high-pressure matches. He will captain the Italian team, which is preparing to face some of the world's greatest cricketers.
A Big Test Awaits Italy
Italy has been placed in Group C along with England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, and Nepal. This is a tough group, especially for a team playing in the World Cup for the first time.
What Joe Burns Leaves Behind
Joe Burns may not be part of the World Cup squad, but his impact on Italian cricket cannot be forgotten. He helped bring focus, belief, and professionalism to a developing team.
As Italy heads into the T20 World Cup without him, one thing is clear: their historic qualification will forever be associated with Joe Burns' name.