Undated image of Pakistani-origin Italian opening batter Zain Naqvi. — Reporter
Pakistani-origin Italian opening batter Zain Naqvi — who helped Italy qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 — expressed his want to play in opposition to Pakistan within the mega occasion and to in the future function within the Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL).
“When we moved to Italy, the focus was on education, but cricket had always been my favourite sport. I never thought I’d one day play for Italy’s national team,” Zain stated.
He additionally appealed to the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) to assist the development of cricket stadiums in Italy, highlighting an absence of correct infrastructure.
“There’s a shortage of grounds in Italy. Only a few clubs have access to proper facilities. Now that we’ve qualified for the T20 World Cup, I hope the ICC will help develop cricket infrastructure here,” he added.
Zain defined that his constant efficiency in home cricket helped him break into the nationwide aspect.
He transitioned from tape-ball cricket to hard-ball and finally impressed selectors throughout Italy’s home tournaments.
“I never imagined I would represent the Italian national team. I started with tape-ball and later switched to hard-ball cricket. After performing well in domestic cricket for two years, I got selected in 2021,” he stated.
Zain additionally mirrored on Italy’s missed alternative to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, stating they misplaced a vital match to Eire, which price them a spot.
“We had a real chance to qualify in 2023 but missed out after a defeat to Ireland. That moment made us believe that Italy can make it to the World Cup,” he remarked
Concerning Italy’s current qualification, he stated the staff entered the 2026 qualifiers with full preparation and their arduous work paid off.
He additionally urged the ICC to provide Italy extra worldwide matches, saying the game is rising quickly within the nation.
“Cricket is developing quickly in Italy, but the ICC only gives us a limited number of matches. Now that we’ve qualified for the T20 World Cup, we hope to get more opportunities,” he remarked.
Zain expressed his want to play in opposition to India and Pakistan within the T20 World Cup and take part in in style leagues just like the PSL and IPL sooner or later.
“It’s a personal dream to play against Pakistan and India in the T20 World Cup. I also want to play in the PSL and IPL one day,” he stated.
He additionally praised Italy’s captain Joe Burns, calling him a superb participant and an ideal human being.
“Joe Burns is a big name who has played for Australia. He brings high-level experience to the team. He’s a great leader and a humble person,” he concluded.
