Four-time football world champions Italy make their debut in the ICCT Twenty20 Cricket World Cup today.
This unexpected success was called “Miracolo Italiano” by the Italian media. Today, they will face Scotland in the T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Italy face England, West Indies, Nepal and Scotland in Group C of the mega tournament.
According to Wayne Madsen, the captain of the Italian Cricket team, participation in the World Cup is not just an exhibition, but the beginning of a new era for Italian Cricket.
What is interesting here is that cricket in Italy has its roots in football. Genoa Cricket and Football Club is the oldest football club in the country, while AC Milan was originally called Milan Football and Cricket Club.
The history of cricket in Naples and Genoa goes back centuries. According to Italian Cricket officials, participation in the World Cup will increase the popularity of the game and Italy will make its place in cricket. The current Italian team is also a sign of this diversity.
Captain Wayne Madsen was born in South Africa, played English county cricket and is now leading the way in the World Cup. The team also includes Australian, South African and Italian players of Asian descent.
Riccardo Maggio, the development officer of the Italian Cricket Federation, says that Italy is not just coming to participate, but wants to impress. According to him, passion, discipline and Italian style are the true strength of this team.
