Former Australia opener Joe Burns has been replaced as Italy captain and left out of the country’s plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Burns, who played 23 Tests for Australia, had been a central figure in Italy’s remarkable rise through qualification over the past 18 months, a journey that peaked in July this year.
Under Burns’ leadership, Italy recorded landmark victories over Guernsey and Scotland at The Hague during Europe’s regional qualifier, securing the nation’s first-ever spot at a T20 World Cup. It was a deeply emotional late-career chapter for Burns, shaped by personal grief and resilience.
That story has now taken a painful turn. The Italian Cricket Federation (FRCI) has confirmed that Wayne Madsen, the experienced Derbyshire batter, will captain the side for an upcoming series against Ireland and then at the T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next February.
Burns’ move to represent Italy followed the loss of his brother at the start of 2024. Eligible through his mother’s heritage, he committed to Italian cricket and was appointed captain later that year. As a tribute to his late brother, Burns wore the number 85 jersey during his appearances for the national side.
In its statement, the FRCI cited availability and contractual issues as the reason for the decision, though it is understood the situation is more complex and has been developing since at least October. The board only alluded to wider concerns, stating that the move “responds to the need to ensure stability, harmony, and continuity for the team, elements deemed to be priorities over short-term objectives.”
Burns had been aware for some time that his place was under threat. Madsen was first named as captain in an FRCI press release at the end of November, when the squad assembled in the UAE for a training camp. Derbyshire also confirmed Madsen’s Italian appointment around the same time, while Burns was not included in that camp.
“Although preliminary exchanges of availability took place in recent weeks, a full agreement was never reached and, consequently, a formal contract was not signed,” the FRCI statement said.
However, Burns is believed to have repeatedly told the board that he had accepted their terms and was both available and willing to play. Italy Cricket’s head of performance, Marco Mastrorocco, confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he had been involved in communications between Burns and the FRCI, acting as a translator, and that Burns had clearly accepted the deal.
“Joe has had a huge impact on Italian cricket and is a person of high integrity and a top professional,” Mastrorocco said. “I’m shocked by the decision.”
During his stint with Italy, Burns played eight T20 internationals, scoring a century and a fifty. He averaged 45 with a strike rate close to 140.
The board has said it will not comment further on the matter, but did place on record “its sincere thanks to Joe Burns for his service to Italian cricket,” adding that his contribution marked “an important chapter in the continued development of the Italian national team.”
