Italy has tapped former Australian Test opener Joe Burns to represent them in their quest to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Burns dedicating his participation to the memory of his late brother and grandparents.
Following the conclusion of his Queensland contract for the 2024-25 season and the end of his Big Bash deal with the Melbourne Stars, Burns made the decision to join the Italian squad, leveraging his mother’s heritage.
In a heartfelt tribute to his brother Dominic, who passed away in February, Burns announced his commitment to wear the number 85 jersey, symbolizing Dominic’s birth year and his jersey number while playing for the Northern Federals in sub-districts.
In an emotional Instagram post, Burns expressed his deep connection to the game instilled by his brother and emphasized the significance of representing Italy as a tribute to his family’s Italian roots.
The 34-year-old reflected on the strength and resilience of his grandparents, who emigrated from Italy to Australia, finding inspiration in their journey to overcome adversity.
Proud to carry on his brother’s spirit, Burns sees his participation in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as a way to honor his family’s legacy and find solace amid personal challenges.
Italy’s journey to qualify for the 2026 World Cup begins next month in Rome. There, they will face France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg, and Turkey in their qualifying matches. Additionally, amidst this challenging lineup, Italy must navigate through a series of rigorous encounters to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.
Leave a Reply