Overview

• Joe Burns, a former Australia Test opener, qualified for Italy through his grandparents and took over the captaincy last November.
• Italy sealed its maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup spot on July 11 by topping the European Regional Final, highlighted by a clinical defence of 167 against Scotland and a win over Guernsey.
• Burns called the achievement one of the most meaningful moments of his career and wears shirt number 85 in tribute to his late brother Dominic.
• He told ICC Digital he would love to face defending champions India in Italy’s opening match of the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
• Burns said the qualification will serve as a catalyst for boosting facilities and participation across Italy’s more than 100 cricket clubs.