Wayne Madsen to captain Italy T20 World Cup 2026 squad

Italian cricket enters a historic new era as the national team unveils its fifteen-player squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, signifying their historic first appearance in a major global tournament. Qualifying alongside the Netherlands after impressive European Regional Qualifier victories over Scotland and Guernsey, the Azzurri are poised for intense action.

Veteran Wayne Madsen captains the side, which blends local talent with experience, notably featuring former Proteas all-rounder JJ Smuts and unique sibling pairings. Head Coach John Davison, supported by assistants Kevin O’Brien and Dougie Brown, leads the management team. Drawn into a formidable Group C against champions England, West Indies, Nepal, and Bangladesh, Italy faces a stern test. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the prestigious competition officially starts in early February.

Italy’s campaign launches against Bangladesh at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, promising a truly unforgettable debut on the world stage for this ambitious, trailblazing squad.