Speculation among Associate cricket circles has been confirmed with Joe Burns to miss the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup early next year in India and Sri Lanka.
The Italian Cricket Federation (Federazione Cricket Italiana) made the announcement in a press release on Thursday.
“Joe Burns will not be selected as part of Italy’s squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“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. 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 Federation wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Joe Burns for his service to Italian cricket, both as a player and as captain.
“Burns represented Italy at the Rome and Uganda tournaments in 2024 and captained the national side during the qualifying campaign in the Netherlands in July 2025, which culminated in Italy qualifying for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time in its history.
“His contribution represents an important chapter in the continued development of the Italian national team.”
Burns’ non-selection was first disclosed as a probability to this masthead by a whistle-blower back in late November, just moments after the national governing body announced Wayne Madsen as the captain to take the team forward.
Madsen missed Italy’s incredible qualification at the European Regional Qualifier while on county duty, though has represented the country of his grandmother’s heritage from 2023.
He had also been slated to play for Italy way back in 2012, though was needed for Derbyshire’s pre-season instead.
It remains unclear if this change at the helm was the catalyst of Burns’ departure from the Azzurri, though appears unlikely that it will lead to the exit of other players from the Italian set-up.
Italy is yet to name a squad for their build-up bilateral series against Ireland in January.
Italy play England, Bangladesh, Nepal and the West Indies in Group C at the T20 World Cup, taking on the Bangladeshis on January 9 in Kolkata to open their campaign.
More to follow…
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