Italy's T20 World Cup Debut: Unearthing a Rich, Forgotten Cricket History

• Italy makes its first-ever appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, despite cricket having a 200-year history in the country.
• The first recorded game in Italy dates back to 1793, organized by Horatio Nelson in Naples to keep British sailors occupied.
• Early growth was aided by figures like Francis Maceroni, who handmade bats and balls to spread the game.
• Iconic football clubs like Genoa, AC Milan, Inter Milan, and AS Roma have historical cricket connections, reflecting the sport's past popularity.
• Italian cricket is experiencing a revival, with its T20 World Cup debut generating unprecedented attention and sparking fresh interest.