Former Australian cricketer, Joe Burns revealed a tragic news about his brother on his Instagram account. Burns revealed that his brother had passed away earlier this year, in February. 

The 34-year-old was dropped from the Queensland team last season and was also absent from the contract list for the 2024-25 season. Apart from the family tragedy, Burns also revealed an interesting decision about his career.

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Why is former Australia cricketer Joe Burns playing in Italy?

Burns took it to social media to reveal his decision to return and play for Italy in a heartwarming message along with the image of his brother’s jersey. 

“This isn’t just a number and this isn’t just a jersey. This is for the people who I know will be looking down proudly from above. In February of this year my brother sadly passed away. 85 was his number in the last team he played (and his birth year) for the mighty Northern Federals in sub-districts,” Burns wrote.

Burns is eligible to play for Italy through his mother’s heritage. He will be representing Italy in the sub regional qualifiers which will also serve as a pathway to the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026. 

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Italy will be competing against neighboring countries of France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg and Turkey in group one with matches scheduled to take place from June 9 to June 16 in the capital of Italy, Rome.

“I often reflect on the bravery and commitment it must have taken my Grandparents when they left Italy to start a new life in Australia. They found a way to make it work through adversity and this has always given me solace through life’s lessons. I’m so proud to represent Italy on our path to the 2026 World Cup,” he added.

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Burns had represented Australia in a brief stint. He last represented Australia back in 2020, in the test series against India.