Nothing concrete but think Madsen for Burns will be possibly the only change. Don't believe this will have a knock on effect with other Aussie/Italians to follow. Think they stay.
They had a group gathering a couple of weeks ago, not sure if Burns was at that, believe at least one more player who has played international cricket will be named in the squad.
“Although preliminary exchanges of availability took place in recent weeks, a full agreement was never reached and, consequently, a formal contract was not signed.
“At the same time, internal technical and organizational evaluations led to the selection of Wayne Madsen as captain. This decision responds to the need to ensure stability, harmony, and continuity for the team, elements deemed to be priorities over short-term objectives.
“These considerations were made solely in the interest of the national team’s
preparation and serenity ahead of this historic event.
“The Federation wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Joe Burns for his service to Italian cricket, both as a player and as captain.
Just trying to make any sense of the situation, I do agree with you. Even if they weren't going to play him, having someone like him in the dressing room is already a privilege that not many associate sides can dream of.
And replacing him with a dude in his 40s who has never played international cricket
Granted he's Derbyshire's best bat but I reckon Jake Fraser-McGurk would stand a chance of being Derbyshire's best bat if he lived there. It's not hard
Madsen has been playing international cricket since 2023.
He's still got the juice. Averaged 39 at 137 with 3 fifties in the Blast this year. Active on the franchise circuit. Scored 198* in his last Championship game.
This is ex-Aussie test player Joe Burns? Didn't realise he was still playing... let alone for Italy of all countries. Why is he eligible to play for them anyway?
There’s a lot of complex rules behind it but put simply - 3 year cooldown from full member to associate, you can switch instantly from associate to full member.
Of course, that’s if you qualify (nationality or residency), Rahane wouldn’t be able to just go play for the Netherlands, Munsey wouldn’t be eligible for New Zealand.
Whatever has gone down its quite sad. Burnsy made the decision that he wanted to play for Italy following the death of his brother, apparently playing for Italy after his Aus career was done wa something that his brother had encouraged him to do.
I am already heartbroken seeing associates (uae, nepal, malaysia) being hammered at U19 asia cup...this confirmation about joe burns, though expected, is more bad news...
This is fucked. Burns must be absolutely gutted, from memory he did this all to pay tribute to his brother who passed away. I didn't know I could hate Italian sport more than I already do (football fan and Socceroo fan here), yet here we are
The Italian Cricket Federation is appears to be a disaster behind the scenes. This kind of garbage always seems to happen in places that can't get their act together. They finally had someone legit to help carry the whole thing forward, and politics still managed to completely torch it. The guy is respected everywhere around the world but somehow they still found a way to mess it up. Massive blow for Italian cricket. I hope they can fix this
You do get it that countries like Italy do not have the same level of full time staffing of many of the other countries who at least had the benefit of some organised cricket already played like Argentina or USA.
Italian cricket is held together by folk that love the game and spend much of their time doing boring paperwork and admin stuff that is just delegated downward in full members. Hell, I remember a time when (if I remember his name correctly) that it seemed to be just Simone Gambino and he did everything and I don't reckon he got paid.
Just want one Associate team to go into a T20 World Cup with a good run-up and the strongest possible squad.
Yes Burns' form wasn't stellar but much stronger him being there (even under Madsen if it was possible).
Still back them to do OK, Forza Italia.
Is there any word on if they're bringing more new players in or sticking by the guys that got them there?
Nothing concrete but think Madsen for Burns will be possibly the only change. Don't believe this will have a knock on effect with other Aussie/Italians to follow. Think they stay.
They had a group gathering a couple of weeks ago, not sure if Burns was at that, believe at least one more player who has played international cricket will be named in the squad.
Burns wasn’t there, but have heard that rumour too only in the last few hours
The references to 'harmony' and 'serenity' in the statement suggest that Joe may have been rocking the boat a bit ... even by Italian standards
He really doesn't come across as that type of bloke
More eccentric than narcissistic I reckon ... think he's a bit of a different type of cat
Very highly respected in world cricket
From the FCI statement:
“Although preliminary exchanges of availability took place in recent weeks, a full agreement was never reached and, consequently, a formal contract was not signed.
“At the same time, internal technical and organizational evaluations led to the selection of Wayne Madsen as captain. This decision responds to the need to ensure stability, harmony, and continuity for the team, elements deemed to be priorities over short-term objectives.
“These considerations were made solely in the interest of the national team’s preparation and serenity ahead of this historic event.
“The Federation wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Joe Burns for his service to Italian cricket, both as a player and as captain.
Sad but understandable. He's 36 and he wasn't exactly in good form in the Regional Finals.
It doesn't sound like a form decision
It's Italy we're talking about, they're not dropping a former Australian cricketer who's only in his mid 30s based on form.
Just trying to make any sense of the situation, I do agree with you. Even if they weren't going to play him, having someone like him in the dressing room is already a privilege that not many associate sides can dream of.
Unless he actually has a negative presence somehow
That would be quite the revelation if it comes out.
And replacing him with a dude in his 40s who has never played international cricket
Granted he's Derbyshire's best bat but I reckon Jake Fraser-McGurk would stand a chance of being Derbyshire's best bat if he lived there. It's not hard
Madsen has been playing international cricket since 2023.
He's still got the juice. Averaged 39 at 137 with 3 fifties in the Blast this year. Active on the franchise circuit. Scored 198* in his last Championship game.
There's definitely details we don't know about yet. This is bizarre.
Thats sad
This is ex-Aussie test player Joe Burns? Didn't realise he was still playing... let alone for Italy of all countries. Why is he eligible to play for them anyway?
His grandparents were immigrants to Australia from Italy so he qualifies by heritage.
Are we getting an Australia vs Italy test match or T20 series soon?
Would be lovely to see(Italy would get destroyed but it'll be a good learning curve for them).
No
Same, I thought playing for one country would restrict you from representing another. I guess the rules are different depending on the sport.
There’s a lot of complex rules behind it but put simply - 3 year cooldown from full member to associate, you can switch instantly from associate to full member.
Of course, that’s if you qualify (nationality or residency), Rahane wouldn’t be able to just go play for the Netherlands, Munsey wouldn’t be eligible for New Zealand.
(u/dwadley too)
Eoin Morgan, Ed Joyce, Boyd Rankin, PJ Moor, Tim David, Mark Chapman, Kim Garth, David Weise, Luke Ronchi.
Just off the top of my head. There are a load of players who have represented two countries.
Geriant Jones - England and Papua New Guinea.
I think it might be different for smaller nations?
The only difference is the cooldown period (there isn't one if going from Associate to FM. Any other switch is three years).
Nothing stopping a player switching from India to Australia if they're eligible for both and willing to sit out three years of international cricket.
Is the FCI doing a USAC?
Whatever has gone down its quite sad. Burnsy made the decision that he wanted to play for Italy following the death of his brother, apparently playing for Italy after his Aus career was done wa something that his brother had encouraged him to do.
Wtf?
I am already heartbroken seeing associates (uae, nepal, malaysia) being hammered at U19 asia cup...this confirmation about joe burns, though expected, is more bad news...
There can be a non-malicious argument that Italy is bringing in more recruits, and with all these guys joining, Burns doesn't make the XV
PCB drama circus in the making
Horrible decision by Italian board. No matter what they should have worked with Joe. If not for him, they would not be in the WC.
This is fucked. Burns must be absolutely gutted, from memory he did this all to pay tribute to his brother who passed away. I didn't know I could hate Italian sport more than I already do (football fan and Socceroo fan here), yet here we are
The Italian Cricket Federation is appears to be a disaster behind the scenes. This kind of garbage always seems to happen in places that can't get their act together. They finally had someone legit to help carry the whole thing forward, and politics still managed to completely torch it. The guy is respected everywhere around the world but somehow they still found a way to mess it up. Massive blow for Italian cricket. I hope they can fix this
You do get it that countries like Italy do not have the same level of full time staffing of many of the other countries who at least had the benefit of some organised cricket already played like Argentina or USA.
Italian cricket is held together by folk that love the game and spend much of their time doing boring paperwork and admin stuff that is just delegated downward in full members. Hell, I remember a time when (if I remember his name correctly) that it seemed to be just Simone Gambino and he did everything and I don't reckon he got paid.
"someone legit"
Italy have plenty of better players than a semi retired Joe Burns
really? if that's true...it's very uplifting...I want Italy to do well in the world cup from the core of my heart....