Italy captain Wayne Madsen makes history by playing two World Cups in different sports—Hockey for South Africa in 2006 and Cricket for Italy in T20 World Cup 2026.

Italy are set to make their historic debut in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, and leading them into the tournament is a captain with one of the most extraordinary sporting journeys in modern sport. Wayne Madsen, born in South Africa, is on the verge of achieving a rare milestone—representing two different countries in World Cups across two different sports.

Italy’s First-Ever T20 World Cup Campaign

Italy have qualified for the T20 World Cup for the first time in their cricketing history and have been placed in Group C, alongside England, West Indies, Scotland, and Nepal. The European side will begin their campaign on February 9 against Scotland at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, hoping to make a strong impression in their maiden appearance.

From Hockey World Cup to Cricket’s Biggest Stage

What makes Italy’s captain stand out is his rare cross-sport World Cup experience. Wayne Madsen was part of South Africa’s Hockey World Cup squad in 2006, making him one of the very few athletes to feature in World Cups of two different sports.

Madsen was just 22 years old when he represented South Africa in the Hockey World Cup. The tournament, however, proved difficult for the Proteas, who failed to register a win. South Africa lost three matches and drew two—against India (1-1) and South Korea (2-2)—before finishing last after a 0-1 defeat to India in the 11th-place playoff.

Two decades later, Madsen will walk onto the field again at a World Cup—this time wearing Italy’s cricket jersey.

A Unique Cricketing Journey Across Continents

Alongside his hockey career, Madsen was also progressing as a cricketer. He made his first-class and List A debut for KwaZulu-Natal in 2004 in South Africa’s domestic circuit. After the Hockey World Cup, he shifted his focus entirely to cricket and moved to England, where he became a long-serving player for Derbyshire.

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His performances in English domestic cricket later made him eligible to represent England, but despite consistent performances, international caps for South Africa or England never materialised.

Italy Debut at 39, Captain at 42

In July 2023, Madsen made his international cricket debut for Italy, taking advantage of his eligibility through residency. Since then, he has featured in seven T20 internationals, scoring 205 runs at a strike rate of 132.25, including two half-centuries.

At 42 years of age, Madsen brings immense experience into the T20 World Cup. Across his professional T20 career, he has played 219 matches, amassing 5,516 runs at a strike rate of 135.16, with two centuries and 35 fifties.

Italy Off to a Promising Start in India

Italy have already shown encouraging signs ahead of the tournament, defeating higher-ranked Canada in a warm-up match in India. With momentum on their side and a seasoned leader at the helm, the Italians will look to punch above their weight in the group stage.

As Italy prepare for their historic T20 World Cup debut, Wayne Madsen’s story stands as a remarkable example of sporting longevity, adaptability, and global representation—one that adds a unique chapter to World Cup history.