Reuters highlighted Italy’s upcoming groundbreaking appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled for February-March 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
Ranked 28th globally, the Azzurri qualified dramatically in July 2025 by upsetting higher-ranked Scotland in the European qualifiers, securing their spot as the lowest-ranked team in the 20-nation tournament.
This marks Italy’s first-ever participation in a cricket World Cup, with the diverse squad hoping to inspire growth in a country where soccer reigns supreme and natural cricket pitches are nonexistent.
Diverse Squad and Leadership Transition
The team features a multicultural mix of players with roots in Australia, England, South Asia, and South Africa, all connected to Italy through ancestry or heritage.
Notable members include Australian-born brothers Harry and Ben Manenti (Harry’s five-wicket haul was pivotal against Scotland), England-born batter Emilio Gay, Indian-origin all-rounder Jaspreet Singh, and Pakistan-born Syed Naqvi.
Wayne Madsen, a long-time Derbyshire player in English county cricket, was appointed captain in late 2025 after former Australia international Joe Burns was omitted due to contractual issues.
Head coach John Davison, who once scored the fastest World Cup century for Canada in 2003, leads the side.
Challenges and Legacy Aspirations
Italy trains primarily on artificial pitches abroad (mainly in England and the Netherlands), making them the only World Cup participant without natural surfaces.
The squad faces limited resources and the challenge of promoting cricket in a soccer-mad nation—where even the national football team has struggled recently.
Grouped with powerhouses England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Nepal, Italy aims to win at least one match and create a lasting legacy.
Players and officials emphasize passion and pride, with Harry Manenti noting emotional team moments and coach Davison comparing the group to a “franchise team” with national soul.
Cricket’s return to the 2028 Olympics could finally bring natural pitches to Italy and boost grassroots programs.