A day after scripting history by leading Italy to their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualification, skipper Joe Burns has acknowledged the significance of the moment — and is now setting his sights even higher. With the tournament set to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year, Burns wants his team to aim for nothing less than lifting the trophy.
In a landmark achievement, Italy secured their place in their first-ever major ICC event despite losing their final match to the Netherlands. Thanks to a superior net run rate, they joined the Dutch side as one of the two qualifying teams from the Europe Region Final.
At the heart of this historic feat was former Australian batter Joe Burns. Once he became eligible to represent Italy, Burns was quickly appointed to lead their qualification charge — a move that paid off handsomely.
“It’s still very surreal,” Burns told ESPNcricinfo on Saturday. “It’ll probably take a few weeks, once we’re back home, to decompress and fully understand the impact this moment will have on so many people. It was incredibly emotional, and we want to take time to reflect as a group in the coming months.”
Burns aims to lift the cup
While proud of the team’s qualification, Burns is already looking ahead. He wants his players to embrace the World Cup experience, but with a mindset grounded in serious preparation.
“People ask me what our goal is for the World Cup, and I tell them: we’re preparing to win every game. So yes, we’re planning to win the World Cup,” he said. “I want the guys to enjoy themselves and play with freedom — but to do that, you’ve got Tell earn the right through strong, focused preparation.”
Italy, under Burns’ leadership, will now prepare to take on the T20 giants on the big stage.
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