Key Takeaways
- 1๐ Italy's historic first T20 World Cup appearance in 2026
- 2๐ Wayne Madsen leads squad with Marcus Campopiano as wicket-keeper
- 3๐ก Qualified after defeating Scotland in European Regional Final
- 4๐ฎ Italy faces Bangladesh (Feb 9, Kolkata) and Nepal (Feb 12, Mumbai) in group stage
"Wayne Madsen captains the 15-member group for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026."
Italy has unveiled its 15-member squad for a momentous chapter in the nation's cricket historyโtheir maiden appearance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The Azzurri will launch their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh on February 9 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with a follow-up clash against Nepal scheduled for February 12 in Mumbai.
European Underdogs Ready for Global Stage
Wayne Madsen will captain the European outfit as they bid to make an immediate impact on cricket's biggest stage. Madsen's leadership comes after Italy's impressive run to the World Cup, where they defeated Scotland by 12 runs in a monumental qualifying match that secured their place in the tournament.
With Marcus Campopiano serving as wicket-keeper, Italy brings a blend of domestic experience and international ambition to the competition. Their qualification represents a significant milestone for European cricket, breaking new ground for a nation still building its infrastructure and player development systems.
The Azzurri face a challenging group with established T20 nations, but their qualification itself demonstrates the growing competitiveness of associate cricket. Italy's campaign will be closely watched as they attempt to prove that European cricket can compete at the highest level.
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