Never Lived in Italy, Yet Playing for Them: JJ Smuts' Unbelievable World Cup Journey

• JJ Smuts, a former South African international, is now representing Italy in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
• Despite playing for Italy, Smuts has never actually visited or lived in the country.
• His eligibility for the Italian team stems from marrying an Italian citizen, Judy Smuts, and subsequently obtaining an Italian passport.
• Smuts debuted for South Africa in 2017 but sought opportunities with Italy due to limited chances.
• All three international matches Smuts has played for Italy have been outside the country, preventing him from visiting Italy.