Joe Burns’ journey from Australian international cricketer to Italian cricket trailblazer is a tale of heritage, ambition, and bittersweet timing. Born in Brisbane, Burns represented Australia in 23 Tests, six One-Day Internationals, and eight T20 Internationals, last playing for the Baggy Green in 2020. Despite stepping away from international cricket, he remained active in domestic competitions until his ancestral roots called him to Italy, where he would leave an indelible mark on the country’s cricket history.

Embracing the role of captain, Burns led Italy through the European sub-regional and regional qualifiers, securing the nation’s first-ever berth in a global ICC tournament. Under his leadership, Italy’s T20 cricket identity was transformed, marking a historic achievement for a country with only fledgling cricket traditions. Simply put, Burns reshaped the Italian cricket map.

Yet, in a surprising turn, Burns will not feature in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence on 7 February 2025 in India and Sri Lanka. The Italian Cricket Federation (FCI) confirmed that Wayne Madsen, who was appointed captain last month, will lead the team, and Burns will not be included in the tournament squad. According to the FCI, Madsen’s international and domestic experience, as well as his established role within the team’s leadership core, made him the logical choice.

The Federation elaborated that although discussions regarding Burns’ participation had taken place, a full contractual agreement was never finalised, leaving no formal arrangement for his inclusion. Consequently, after internal, technical, and organisational evaluations, Madsen was selected to captain Italy in Burns’ absence.

Italy will kick off their World Cup campaign on 9 February in Kolkata against Bangladesh. Placed in Group C, their remaining opponents are England, West Indies, and Nepal. Burns’ absence may be felt, but his influence on Italy’s qualification journey is undeniable.

Burns’ connection to Italy runs deep. His family heritage traces back to Italy, with his grandfather having been captured in North Africa during World War II while serving under Mussolini’s regime. After the war, the family settled in Australia, where Burns grew up. In February 2024, Burns’ elder brother Dominic passed away, an event that profoundly influenced his decision to represent Italy. On 28 May, Burns posted an image of Dominic’s No. 85 jersey on Instagram, declaring his intention to honour his brother’s memory by playing for Italy. He made his Italian debut shortly thereafter, on 9 June, against Luxembourg.

Though absent from the World Cup, Burns’ legacy as the architect of Italy’s historic T20 qualification is secure — a remarkable feat that ensures his place in the annals of Italian cricket.

Key Facts: Joe Burns & Italy T20 World Cup 2025