Joe Burns, the former Australia Test opener, has been stripped of the Italy captaincy and left out of the country’s plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Burns had been the central figure in Italy’s remarkable rise through qualification over the past 18 months, a journey that reached its peak in July when the side secured a historic maiden World Cup berth.
Under Burns’ leadership, Italy claimed pivotal victories over Guernsey and Scotland at the European regional qualifier in The Hague, sealing qualification in what became a deeply personal late-career renaissance. That resurgence was shaped by grief following the death of his brother earlier in 2024, a loss that prompted Burns to embrace his Italian heritage and pursue international cricket through his mother’s lineage.
Despite that success, the Italian Cricket Federation (FCRI) has now confirmed that Wayne Madsen, the veteran Derbyshire batter, will captain the team for a forthcoming series against Ireland and at the T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February.
Burns’ removal has come as a shock to many within Italian cricket. While the FCRI cited issues around availability and contractual arrangements, it also alluded to deeper concerns, saying the decision was made to ensure “stability, harmony, and continuity for the team,” which it described as priorities over short-term goals. Those tensions are understood to have been simmering since at least October.
Signs of Burns’ impending omission had been evident for some time. Madsen was first named as captain in an FCRI release in late November during an Italian training camp in the UAE, a camp Burns did not attend. Derbyshire simultaneously confirmed Madsen’s appointment, further underlining the shift in leadership.
In its statement, the FCRI said that although discussions around Burns’ availability had taken place, no formal agreement was finalised. Burns, however, is believed to have repeatedly communicated his acceptance of the board’s terms and his willingness to play. Marco Mastrorocco, Italy’s head of performance, confirmed he had facilitated those discussions as a translator and was taken aback by the outcome.
“Joe has had a massive impact on Italian cricket,” Mastrorocco told ESPNcricinfo. “He’s a person of great integrity and a true professional. I’m shocked by the decision.”
Burns wore the number 85 jersey in tribute to his late brother and was a key contributor on the field, playing eight T20 internationals for Italy. In that span, he scored a century and a fifty, averaging 45 at a strike rate approaching 140.
The FCRI said it would not comment further on the matter but offered its “sincere thanks” to Burns, acknowledging his contributions as “an important chapter” in the ongoing development of the Italian national team.
