In a surprising move, former Australian Test opener Joe Burns has been stripped of the Italian captaincy and left out of the squad for the upcoming 2026 T20I World Cup. This decision comes despite Joe Burns being the central figure in Italy’s historic journey to qualify for their first-ever World Cup appearance.
For Joe Burns, playing for Italy was more than just a career move; it was a tribute. After losing his brother in early 2024, he chose to represent Italy through his mother’s heritage.
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Wearing the number 85 jersey as a nod to his brother’s birth year, he led Italy through a dominant qualifying campaign. Under his leadership, Italy secured a historic spot in the tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, after crucial wins over teams like Scotland.
The Italian Cricket Federation (FCRI) recently announced that veteran batter Wayne Madsen will now lead the team. While the official statement cited “availability and contractual terms,” the reality appears more complex. The board hinted at the need for “stability, harmony, and continuity,” suggesting that internal disagreements had been brewing since October.
The FRCI claimed that while initial talks occurred, a formal agreement was never reached. However, reports suggest Joe Burns had repeatedly confirmed his availability and willingness to play under the board’s terms. Marco Mastrorocco, Italy’s head of performance, even confirmed witnessing communications where Joe Burns explicitly accepted the deal.
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Despite his vital role in putting Italian cricket on the map, Joe Burns now faces the heartbreak of watching the World Cup from the sidelines. As Italy prepares for its debut on the world stage this February, the focus shifts to Wayne Madsen’s leadership, leaving many fans questioning why the man who led them there was let go so abruptly.