From JJ Smuts to Wayne Madsen: Italy's T20 World Cup stars you can't miss
T20 World Cup 2026: Italy are set to make their maiden appearance on the global stage. Led by Wayne Madsen, the Azzurri face a stern challenge in a tough group that also features England and the West Indies.
Italy are set to script history as they prepare for their maiden appearance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, a moment that marks a major milestone for cricket in the country. Their qualification came through a dramatic campaign at the Europe Regional Final, where Italy finished level on points with Jersey but advanced on net run rate, holding their nerve in a must-not-lose final match against the Netherlands.
It was a campaign defined by belief, discipline and composure under pressure. A central figure in that journey was Joe Burns. The former Australia opener played a pivotal role, scoring crucial runs, including a century, Italy's highest individual T20I score, and leading the side during the qualifiers.
Burns' experience and calm presence helped Italy punch above their weight against stronger, more established sides. However, despite his contribution, Burns will not be part of the World Cup squad, with availability and selection dynamics ruling him out of the tournament.
Italy now head into the global stage under new leadership, set to face Scotland, England, West Indies and Nepal in the group stage. For a team built largely on associate cricket pathways, stepping onto the World Cup stage against full-member nations is a moment of immense pride.
Regardless of results, Italy's presence at the T20 World Cup stands as a powerful statement of how far the game has grown and how far belief can carry a team.
Here's more about Italy's star players for the T20 World Cup
Wayne Madsen
Wayne Madsen has built a long and varied cricketing career across multiple countries and formats. Born in Durban in 1984, the right-handed batter later became eligible to represent Italy through family roots, making his T20I debut in 2023.
A key figure for Derbyshire in English county cricket since 2009, he has also featured in global T20 leagues, including the PSL, The Hundred, SA20 and the BPL. In late 2025, Madsen was appointed Italy captain ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
Madsen also represented South Africa in field hockey, earning 39 caps and featuring in the 2006 Men’s Hockey World Cup as well as the Commonwealth Games
JJ Smuts
Jon-Jon "JJ" Smuts, born in September 1988 in Grahamstown, South Africa, is a versatile batting all-rounder who now represents Italy in international cricket after qualifying through residency. He played 13 T20Is and six ODIs for South Africa between 2017 and 2021 before joining Italy, bringing experience with both bat and slow left-arm orthodox spin.
Domestically, Smuts has featured for Eastern Province, Warriors, Dolphins, Durban's Super Giants, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in leagues like SA20 and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Ben Manenti
Ben Manenti has become a vital all-rounder for Italy, contributing with right-arm off-spin and lower-order batting. Born in March 1997 in Sydney, he qualified for Italy through his heritage and debuted in T20Is in July 2023 against Ireland.
In 8 T20Is, Manenti has scored 93 runs and taken 3 wickets, providing experience and versatility while anchoring Italy's spin attack in qualifiers and T20 competitions.
Domestically, he has played for Sydney Sixers, South Australia, Tasmania, and Adelaide Strikers in the BBL, Sheffield Shield, Marsh One-Day Cup, and other T20 leagues.
Anthony Mosca
Anthony Mosca has quietly emerged as one of Italy's reliable batting pillars in recent years. Born in 1991, the right-handed top-order batter has represented Italy in T20 Internationals since 2022, delivering steady performances in European qualifiers and ICC Challenge League fixtures.
Known for his composure and shot selection, Mosca adds stability to the lineup. At club level, he has played for Roma Capannelle Cricket Club and Wolves in Italy, while also gaining overseas exposure with Alfreton in England's Derbyshire Premier League.
Justin Mosca
Justin Mosca has developed into a dependable presence in Italy's international batting line-up over recent seasons. Born in 1994, the left-handed batter has represented Italy in T20 Internationals since 2022, earning a reputation for positive intent and clean stroke play at the top of the order.
He has scored 381 T20I runs, including a highest score of 72, with key contributions in European qualifiers and ICC events. Mosca's career so far has been largely focused on international cricket with Italy rather than franchise leagues.
Also Read: Boycott India, forget Super 8s: Why rain is Pakistan's biggest foe in Colombo
Harry Manenti
Harry Manenti, born in 2000 in Australia, has quickly made a mark as a dynamic all-rounder for the Italy national cricket team. A right-handed batter and right-arm medium-fast bowler, he debuted in T20 Internationals for Italy in July 2022 and has been instrumental in their campaigns, including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Domestically, Manenti has played for South Australia, Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, and club sides like Pint Cricket Club, Toombul, Valley, Adelaide Strikers Academy, Adelaide Aces, and Wolves, gaining experience across formats.
Jaspreet Singh
Jaspreet Singh, born in Phagwara, Punjab, has emerged as a key bowler for the Italy national cricket team. A right-arm fast-medium bowler and handy lower-order batter, he made his T20I debut against Norway on June 15, 2019 and has since been a regular in Italy's T20I and List A squads.
Singh has played a crucial role in European qualifiers and ICC competitions. Domestically, he represents Bergamo Cricket Club in Italian leagues, competing in ECS and T10 tournaments.
Zain Ali
Zain Ali is an emerging all-round cricketer for Italy, born on 17 December 2001. A right-arm pacer, he has become a regular in Italy's setup, showcasing strong performances in European T10 and T20 competitions.
Ali's big hitting and useful bowling have helped Italy compete in multiple regional qualifiers and European Cricket Series events, and he has taken 4 wickets in T20Is, including a best of 3/16. Domestically, he has featured for Roma Cricket Club and Cividate, competing in European T10 leagues and regional qualifiers.
Syed Naqvi
Syed Naqvi, born 2 January 2002, is an exciting all-round talent for Italy, known for his right-handed batting and right-arm medium-fast bowling. Since debuting in 2023, he has been a key contributor in T20 internationals, showcasing consistent performances with the bat, ball, and in the field.
Domestically, Naqvi has featured for Pak I Care Badalona, Fresh Tropical, Gamblers SC, and Markhor Milano, competing in European T10 and regional T20 leagues, gaining valuable experience across competitive associate cricket tournaments.
Marcus Campopiano
Italy's Marcus Campopiano has been making waves with his all-round skills, blending aggressive right-handed batting, handy off-spin, and sharp wicketkeeping. Since his T20I debut in 2022, he has been a reliable performer, scoring a highest of 87 with a strike rate above 120.
On the domestic front, Campopiano has represented East Molesey and played in European regional qualifiers, ICC Europe T20 World Cup qualifiers, and T10/T20 leagues, gaining valuable experience while helping Italy compete strongly in associate cricket tournaments.
Gian Meade
Gian Meade has emerged as one of Italy's most dependable cricketers, blending gritty batting with medium-fast bowling. Born on March 19, 1996 in South Africa, he joined the Italian side in 2019 and has become a T20I mainstay. In 35 T20Is, Meade has scored over 300 runs, with a top score of 59, and claimed 9 wickets, including a best of 3/18, adding valuable depth to Italy's batting and bowling line-ups.
He has also played domestically for Italian clubs in ICC Europe T20 World Cup qualifiers and European T10/T20 leagues, gaining key experience.
Ali Hasan
Ali Hasan has quickly emerged as a key pace bowler for Italy, known for his left-arm medium-fast bowling and lower-order hitting. Born on October 29, 2002, he debuted in T20Is in 2022, taking 8 wickets at an economy of 4.15, with a best of 3/9, and has been crucial in European qualifiers and associate cricket fixtures.
Domestically, Hasan has played for Zurich Nomads and Jinnah Brescia, competing in European T20/T10 leagues and regional qualifiers, gaining valuable experience across associate tournaments.
Grant Stewart
Grant Stewart has established himself as a key all-rounder for Italy, combining powerful right-handed batting with reliable right-arm medium-fast bowling. Born on February 19 in Kalgoorlie, Australia, he qualified for Italy through his heritage and made his T20I debut in October 2021. In 20 T20Is, Stewart has scored 473 runs at an average of 30.5, with a top score of 76, and claimed 17 wickets, including best figures of 3/21.
Domestically, he has played for Kent County Cricket Club and had a loan stint at Sussex, featuring in the County Championship, Vitality Blast, Royal London Cup, and other T20 leagues.
Thomas Draca
Thomas Draca has rapidly emerged as one of Italy's most exciting pace prospects, impressing with his right-arm medium pace, control, and wicket-taking ability. Born on 23 October 2000 in Sydney, he made his T20I debut in June 2024 and has already claimed 11 wickets in nine matches, with best figures of 3/9, becoming a key figure in European qualifiers.
Draca represents Italy internationally and has featured for the Brampton Wolves (Global T20 Canada), MI Emirates (ILT20), and Lumbini Lions and Caribbean Tigers across various T20 leagues.
Crishan Kalugamage
Crishan Kalugamage has emerged as a key spin weapon for Italy, troubling batters with his right-arm leg-break googly and consistent wicket-taking ability. Born on 16 June 1991 in Sri Lanka, he qualified through residency and made his T20I debut in July 2022.
In 18 T20Is, Kalugamage has claimed 20 wickets at an average of 18.15, including best figures of 4/17, playing a vital role in Italy's European qualifiers and international campaigns.
Domestically, he represents Roma Cricket Club and has featured for European XI in European T10 and T20 leagues, gaining experience across associate cricket tournaments.
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Italy are set to script history as they prepare for their maiden appearance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, a moment that marks a major milestone for cricket in the country. Their qualification came through a dramatic campaign at the Europe Regional Final, where Italy finished level on points with Jersey but advanced on net run rate, holding their nerve in a must-not-lose final match against the Netherlands.
It was a campaign defined by belief, discipline and composure under pressure. A central figure in that journey was Joe Burns. The former Australia opener played a pivotal role, scoring crucial runs, including a century, Italy's highest individual T20I score, and leading the side during the qualifiers.
Burns' experience and calm presence helped Italy punch above their weight against stronger, more established sides. However, despite his contribution, Burns will not be part of the World Cup squad, with availability and selection dynamics ruling him out of the tournament.
Italy now head into the global stage under new leadership, set to face Scotland, England, West Indies and Nepal in the group stage. For a team built largely on associate cricket pathways, stepping onto the World Cup stage against full-member nations is a moment of immense pride.
Regardless of results, Italy's presence at the T20 World Cup stands as a powerful statement of how far the game has grown and how far belief can carry a team.
Here's more about Italy's star players for the T20 World Cup
Wayne Madsen
Wayne Madsen has built a long and varied cricketing career across multiple countries and formats. Born in Durban in 1984, the right-handed batter later became eligible to represent Italy through family roots, making his T20I debut in 2023.
A key figure for Derbyshire in English county cricket since 2009, he has also featured in global T20 leagues, including the PSL, The Hundred, SA20 and the BPL. In late 2025, Madsen was appointed Italy captain ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
Madsen also represented South Africa in field hockey, earning 39 caps and featuring in the 2006 Men’s Hockey World Cup as well as the Commonwealth Games
JJ Smuts
Jon-Jon "JJ" Smuts, born in September 1988 in Grahamstown, South Africa, is a versatile batting all-rounder who now represents Italy in international cricket after qualifying through residency. He played 13 T20Is and six ODIs for South Africa between 2017 and 2021 before joining Italy, bringing experience with both bat and slow left-arm orthodox spin.
Domestically, Smuts has featured for Eastern Province, Warriors, Dolphins, Durban's Super Giants, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in leagues like SA20 and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
Ben Manenti
Ben Manenti has become a vital all-rounder for Italy, contributing with right-arm off-spin and lower-order batting. Born in March 1997 in Sydney, he qualified for Italy through his heritage and debuted in T20Is in July 2023 against Ireland.
In 8 T20Is, Manenti has scored 93 runs and taken 3 wickets, providing experience and versatility while anchoring Italy's spin attack in qualifiers and T20 competitions.
Domestically, he has played for Sydney Sixers, South Australia, Tasmania, and Adelaide Strikers in the BBL, Sheffield Shield, Marsh One-Day Cup, and other T20 leagues.
Anthony Mosca
Anthony Mosca has quietly emerged as one of Italy's reliable batting pillars in recent years. Born in 1991, the right-handed top-order batter has represented Italy in T20 Internationals since 2022, delivering steady performances in European qualifiers and ICC Challenge League fixtures.
Known for his composure and shot selection, Mosca adds stability to the lineup. At club level, he has played for Roma Capannelle Cricket Club and Wolves in Italy, while also gaining overseas exposure with Alfreton in England's Derbyshire Premier League.
Justin Mosca
Justin Mosca has developed into a dependable presence in Italy's international batting line-up over recent seasons. Born in 1994, the left-handed batter has represented Italy in T20 Internationals since 2022, earning a reputation for positive intent and clean stroke play at the top of the order.
He has scored 381 T20I runs, including a highest score of 72, with key contributions in European qualifiers and ICC events. Mosca's career so far has been largely focused on international cricket with Italy rather than franchise leagues.
Also Read: Boycott India, forget Super 8s: Why rain is Pakistan's biggest foe in Colombo
Harry Manenti
Harry Manenti, born in 2000 in Australia, has quickly made a mark as a dynamic all-rounder for the Italy national cricket team. A right-handed batter and right-arm medium-fast bowler, he debuted in T20 Internationals for Italy in July 2022 and has been instrumental in their campaigns, including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Domestically, Manenti has played for South Australia, Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, and club sides like Pint Cricket Club, Toombul, Valley, Adelaide Strikers Academy, Adelaide Aces, and Wolves, gaining experience across formats.
Jaspreet Singh
Jaspreet Singh, born in Phagwara, Punjab, has emerged as a key bowler for the Italy national cricket team. A right-arm fast-medium bowler and handy lower-order batter, he made his T20I debut against Norway on June 15, 2019 and has since been a regular in Italy's T20I and List A squads.
Singh has played a crucial role in European qualifiers and ICC competitions. Domestically, he represents Bergamo Cricket Club in Italian leagues, competing in ECS and T10 tournaments.
Zain Ali
Zain Ali is an emerging all-round cricketer for Italy, born on 17 December 2001. A right-arm pacer, he has become a regular in Italy's setup, showcasing strong performances in European T10 and T20 competitions.
Ali's big hitting and useful bowling have helped Italy compete in multiple regional qualifiers and European Cricket Series events, and he has taken 4 wickets in T20Is, including a best of 3/16. Domestically, he has featured for Roma Cricket Club and Cividate, competing in European T10 leagues and regional qualifiers.
Syed Naqvi
Syed Naqvi, born 2 January 2002, is an exciting all-round talent for Italy, known for his right-handed batting and right-arm medium-fast bowling. Since debuting in 2023, he has been a key contributor in T20 internationals, showcasing consistent performances with the bat, ball, and in the field.
Domestically, Naqvi has featured for Pak I Care Badalona, Fresh Tropical, Gamblers SC, and Markhor Milano, competing in European T10 and regional T20 leagues, gaining valuable experience across competitive associate cricket tournaments.
Marcus Campopiano
Italy's Marcus Campopiano has been making waves with his all-round skills, blending aggressive right-handed batting, handy off-spin, and sharp wicketkeeping. Since his T20I debut in 2022, he has been a reliable performer, scoring a highest of 87 with a strike rate above 120.
On the domestic front, Campopiano has represented East Molesey and played in European regional qualifiers, ICC Europe T20 World Cup qualifiers, and T10/T20 leagues, gaining valuable experience while helping Italy compete strongly in associate cricket tournaments.
Gian Meade
Gian Meade has emerged as one of Italy's most dependable cricketers, blending gritty batting with medium-fast bowling. Born on March 19, 1996 in South Africa, he joined the Italian side in 2019 and has become a T20I mainstay. In 35 T20Is, Meade has scored over 300 runs, with a top score of 59, and claimed 9 wickets, including a best of 3/18, adding valuable depth to Italy's batting and bowling line-ups.
He has also played domestically for Italian clubs in ICC Europe T20 World Cup qualifiers and European T10/T20 leagues, gaining key experience.
Ali Hasan
Ali Hasan has quickly emerged as a key pace bowler for Italy, known for his left-arm medium-fast bowling and lower-order hitting. Born on October 29, 2002, he debuted in T20Is in 2022, taking 8 wickets at an economy of 4.15, with a best of 3/9, and has been crucial in European qualifiers and associate cricket fixtures.
Domestically, Hasan has played for Zurich Nomads and Jinnah Brescia, competing in European T20/T10 leagues and regional qualifiers, gaining valuable experience across associate tournaments.
Grant Stewart
Grant Stewart has established himself as a key all-rounder for Italy, combining powerful right-handed batting with reliable right-arm medium-fast bowling. Born on February 19 in Kalgoorlie, Australia, he qualified for Italy through his heritage and made his T20I debut in October 2021. In 20 T20Is, Stewart has scored 473 runs at an average of 30.5, with a top score of 76, and claimed 17 wickets, including best figures of 3/21.
Domestically, he has played for Kent County Cricket Club and had a loan stint at Sussex, featuring in the County Championship, Vitality Blast, Royal London Cup, and other T20 leagues.
Thomas Draca
Thomas Draca has rapidly emerged as one of Italy's most exciting pace prospects, impressing with his right-arm medium pace, control, and wicket-taking ability. Born on 23 October 2000 in Sydney, he made his T20I debut in June 2024 and has already claimed 11 wickets in nine matches, with best figures of 3/9, becoming a key figure in European qualifiers.
Draca represents Italy internationally and has featured for the Brampton Wolves (Global T20 Canada), MI Emirates (ILT20), and Lumbini Lions and Caribbean Tigers across various T20 leagues.
Crishan Kalugamage
Crishan Kalugamage has emerged as a key spin weapon for Italy, troubling batters with his right-arm leg-break googly and consistent wicket-taking ability. Born on 16 June 1991 in Sri Lanka, he qualified through residency and made his T20I debut in July 2022.
In 18 T20Is, Kalugamage has claimed 20 wickets at an average of 18.15, including best figures of 4/17, playing a vital role in Italy's European qualifiers and international campaigns.
Domestically, he represents Roma Cricket Club and has featured for European XI in European T10 and T20 leagues, gaining experience across associate cricket tournaments.
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