Italy Unveils Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup Debut

Italy has unveiled its 15-member squad for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup, marking the European nation's first appearance at the premier international cricket event. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to run from February 7 to March 8, featuring 20 teams in an expanded format with group stages leading to Super Eights, semifinals, and a final.

Wayne Madsen, a Derbyshire batter who holds an Italian passport, will captain the side. His appointment follows the exclusion of former Australia international Joe Burns, who led Italy during their qualification campaign but faced availability issues and a reported fallout with team management. The squad blends local talent with experienced overseas players, including former South Africa allrounder JJ Smuts, who qualifies through marriage and brings 13 T20I and six ODI caps from his time with the Proteas between 2017 and 2021. Another notable inclusion is fast bowling allrounder Grant Stewart, who has an EU passport via his Italian mother and has played 17 T20Is while featuring for Kent in county cricket.

The full squad comprises: Wayne Madsen (captain), Marcus Campopiano (wicketkeeper), Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali,...