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

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News18•09-02-2026, 18:26
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.
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