T20 World Cup 2026: Italy Names Dangerous Squad! BBL & County Stars Ready to Shock the World”

The Italian Cricket Federation has dropped a bombshell ahead of their maiden appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. While the world was expecting a team of enthusiastic amateurs, the Azzurri have assembled a squad filled with global T20 mercenaries, County legends, and a former South African international.

Led by Derbyshire icon Wayne Madsen, Italy is not traveling to India just to participate—they are coming to compete. The headline inclusion? JJ Smuts, the former Proteas all-rounder, who has officially switched allegiance to wear the Italian blue.

Here is the deep dive into the squad that could be the “Banana Skin” for big teams in Group B.

Also read: You can check other schedules here too.

The “Big Fish”: JJ Smuts Joins the Azzurri

The biggest talking point is the inclusion of Jon-Jon (JJ) Smuts. The 37-year-old all-rounder is not just a domestic performer; he has legitimate international pedigree.

Smuts played 13 T20Is and 6 ODIs for South Africa between 2017 and 2021. Eligible through his wife, Smuts brings a wealth of experience from the SA20 (Sunrisers Eastern Cape) and CPL.

JJ Smuts: The Stats That Matter

• Role: Top-order batter & Left-arm orthodox spinner.
• Impact: He gives Italy a genuine match-winner who knows how to play on turning sub-continent tracks.

The Captain: Wayne Madsen

Taking over the reins is Wayne Madsen, a name synonymous with excellence in English County Cricket. Having scored over 15,000 First-Class runs, Madsen is a tactical genius.

• Why him? Madsen replaced former Australian opener Joe Burns, who was controversially dropped from the leadership group earlier this year.
• Style: Known for his sweeping and reverse-sweeping abilities (the “Madsen Ramp”), he is perfectly suited for the spinning pitches of Kolkata and Mumbai.

The “Foreign Legion”: Big Bash & County Stars

Italy’s strength lies in their diaspora. This isn’t just a team; it’s a collection of professionals from the world’s best leagues.

1. The Manenti Brothers (Australia)

• Ben Manenti (Adelaide Strikers/Tasmania): A crafty off-spinner and hard-hitting lower-order batter. He was one of the best spinners in the Big Bash League (BBL) last season.
• Harry Manenti: Younger brother of Ben, also part of the South Australian setup. A genuine all-rounder who provides balance.

2. Grant Stewart (Kent/England)

A fast-bowling all-rounder who plays for Kent in England. Stewart hits the ball a mile and bowls heavy balls—vital for the death overs.

3. Thomas Draca (The IPL Hopeful)

Keep an eye on Thomas Draca. The right-arm pacer recently made headlines by becoming the first Italian player to register for the IPL Auction and was picked up by MI Emirates in the ILT20. He is arguably the fastest bowler in this squad.

Italy T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: The Full List

Here is the final 15-man squad categorized by their roles:

• Notable Absentee: Emilio Gay (Northamptonshire) misses out due to an unfortunate injury, a massive blow to their top order.

The “Group of Death” Schedule

Italy has been thrown into the deep end. They open their campaign at the historic Eden Gardens.

Expert Verdict: Can They Cause an Upset?

Make no mistake, this Italian side is stronger than many Associate nations like Uganda or Oman.

• Strength: They have 5-6 players who play professional cricket year-round (Madsen, Smuts, Manentis, Stewart, Draca).
• Weakness: Lack of team chemistry. They rarely play together as a full unit compared to teams like Nepal.

Prediction: Italy has the firepower to beat Nepal. If the pitch at Eden Gardens offers swing, Grant Stewart and Thomas Draca could even trouble Bangladesh.

Are you backing the Azzurri?

Watch out for February 9—History will be made in Kolkata!