Wayne Madsen has been appointed as Italy captain for their upcoming ICC T20 World Cup campaign, Madsen replaces Joe Burns who served as captain December 2024 onwards. 

The 41-year-old made his international debut at the age of 39 for Italy, though he last played for Italy in the European Regional Qualifiers in July 2023, when they missed out on qualifying for ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by a single place.

Madsen has represented Italy only in four T20Is but he is nothing short of a legend at Derbyshire and has an extensive record in the English county circuit. His leadership is very much integral to his legendary status, so captaincy is not new to the Durban-born cricketer. Having scored runs in every competition, which lead to speculation that he may be recalled ahead of the marquee event after Italy’s historic qualification and the call did come in with the offer of leading his side in its maiden T20 World Cup appearance.

He now returns to captain the side, as Italy begins its preparation for the marquee competition with a three-match series against Ireland in Dubai, which will be their first multiple match bilateral against a full-member nation.

Upon completion of the series, Italy will head to India where they will slot into Group C with England, West Indies, Bangladesh and Nepal, at 42, Madsen will get to stake his claim with the best of the best.

Cricket was not the only sport Madsen excelled in. He represented South Africa at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia and the Hockey World Cup held in Germany in the same year, a true athlete.