Joe Burns will not play for Italy at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year in India and Sri Lanka.
The Italian Cricket Federation confirmed the decision on Tuesday. It said talks over Burns’ availability ended without any final agreement or contract. As a result, he was left out of the squad.
The move comes only months after Burns led Italy to history. In July 2025, he captained the team during the qualifiers in the Netherlands. Italy earned their first ever place at a Men’s T20 World Cup under his leadership. It was a major step for a growing cricket nation.
In the same announcement, the Federation named Wayne Madsen as the new T20 captain. The senior batter will lead Italy on their upcoming T20I tour of Ireland. He will also captain the side at the World Cup, replacing Burns.
Madsen has played for Italy before and remains a key figure in the setup. The Federation sees him as important not only to the team but also to its long term coaching and development plans.
The Federation said the decision was about stability and balance. It stressed the need for harmony and continuity ahead of the biggest event in Italian cricket history. After internal reviews, officials felt Madsen was the right leader at this stage.
Despite leaving Burns out, the Federation praised his contribution. It highlighted his efforts on and off the field. Burns played for Italy in Rome and Uganda in 2024 and led the side throughout the qualification campaign. His role in reaching the World Cup was called a major milestone.
Italy will begin their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh in Kolkata on February 9. The Federation said it will not comment further on individual matters. Its full focus is now on preparation and a calm build up to Italy’s historic debut on the world stage.
