Italy is all set to make their first appearance on the big stage of cricket as they qualified for the first time in the T20I world cup form the European qualifiers amid that Italy axed their captain Joe Burns from the team. The Italian cricket federation (Federazione Cricket Italia) confirmed that the former Australian player will not appear in the World Cup amid contractual issues between the two parties.
Wayne Madsen will lead the side in the absence of Italy's full-time captain. Confirming that the board said in an official statement, “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 organisational evaluations led to the selection of Wayne Madsen as captain .”
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"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 statement added.
Joe Burns contribution to the team
The 36-year old Joe Burns was one of the key members who led Italy to march into the World Cup. He captained the side in the European T20 World Cup qualifiers and also slammed a century in the group finals against Romania.
In his captaincy, Italy also beat Scotland and finished second to grab the World Cup spot.
Madsen will lead the team in the World Cup
The Italy board also added the point of inclusion of Madsen in the statement, "Madsen brings significant international and domestic experience to the position, having already represented Italy in T20Is, and remains a central figure within the squad's leadership group."
Madsen holds an Italian visa from 2023, he missed the qualifier match for County duty.
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Madsen will lead the Italy side in the Ireland series before the World Cup. Italy will play their first ever world cup match on February 9.
