Italia T10 Cricket 2026 Set to Launch in Rome: Italy is set to take another step forward in the development of cricket with the launch of Italia T10 Cricket, a new city-based franchise tournament scheduled to take place in Rome from October 30 to November 7, 2026.
The competition will feature six franchises representing cities and will become Italy’s first city-based franchise T10 league. The tournament has received the official endorsement of the Italian Cricket Federation, underlining its potential role in strengthening the domestic cricket structure.
Organised by UK-based Apex T10 Ltd, the tournament has been created by former cricketers Nadeem Shahid and Aamir Akhtar. The organisers aim to use the short-format competition to attract new audiences while creating additional opportunities for players and clubs in Italy.
Fast-Paced T10 Format
Italia T10 Cricket will follow the popular T10 format, with each team playing a maximum of 10 overs. Matches are expected to last around 90 minutes, offering a compact format designed to appeal to both existing cricket followers and casual sports fans.
All matches during the inaugural season will be played in Rome, with six franchises competing for the championship.
The tournament is also expected to receive international exposure, with organisers planning live streaming across more than 30 countries.
Italian Cricket Receives New Boost
The launch comes at an important time for Italian cricket. With cricket scheduled to return to the Olympic programme at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the sport is attracting increased attention globally.
Italia T10 Cricket is intended to contribute to that momentum by increasing the visibility of cricket in Italy, providing competitive opportunities for players and helping clubs develop talent.
The organisers also believe a professional franchise structure can help introduce the sport to new communities while creating a stronger pathway between grassroots cricket and higher-level competition.
Italian Cricket Federation Backs the Competition
The Italian Cricket Federation has welcomed the introduction of Italia T10 Cricket and officially endorsed the initiative.
Gianfranco Ravà, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Italian Cricket Federation, described the development as a positive moment for Italian cricket and highlighted the importance of a structured and sustainable approach to growing the game.
The competition is being developed in line with the International Cricket Council’s sanctioning framework, with the Italian Cricket Federation coordinating the application process for ICC sanctioning.
Nadeem Shahid Brings Extensive Cricket Experience
Italia T10 Cricket is being led by Nadeem Shahid, who serves as Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
Shahid spent more than two decades playing first-class cricket for Essex and Surrey and also represented England A. His playing career included multiple County Championship successes, followed by four seasons working as a coach with Surrey.
Read also: https://icasportsplus.com/pakistan-to-host-sri-lanka-england-for-t20is-odis-tests/
He has subsequently developed business interests in areas including technology, real estate and international lottery ventures.
His involvement in Italia T10 Cricket reflects the organisers’ ambition to combine professional sporting experience with a long-term business strategy for the Italian game.
Aamir Akhtar Adds Franchise Cricket Experience
Co-Founder and Chairman Aamir Akhtar also brings experience from international cricket and franchise competitions.
The former Nepal international is the founder of the Everest Premier League and has worked with the Cricket Association of Nepal on various aspects of cricket development and international relationships.
Akhtar sees Italy as a promising market for the T10 format and hopes his previous experience in establishing franchise cricket can help Italia T10 Cricket build a strong foundation.
A New Opportunity for Italian Players
Beyond entertainment, Italia T10 Cricket is expected to focus heavily on player development.
The franchise model could provide local cricketers with opportunities to play alongside and against experienced players while giving clubs and emerging talent greater exposure.
For Italian cricket, the tournament could therefore become more than a short-format competition. Its success could help strengthen the domestic cricket ecosystem and encourage more people to participate in the sport.
With Rome hosting every match in the first edition, the inaugural tournament will provide a concentrated platform for introducing franchise cricket to Italian audiences.
Italia T10 Cricket 2026: Key Details
- Dates: October 30–November 7, 2026
- Venue: Rome, Italy
- Format: T10, 10 overs per side
- Teams: Six city-based franchises
- Organiser: Apex T10 Ltd
- Endorsed by: Italian Cricket Federation
- Co-Founders: Nadeem Shahid and Aamir Akhtar
- Expected broadcast: Live streaming to more than 30 countries
Italia T10 Cricket represents an ambitious new chapter for Italian cricket. With the backing of the Italian Cricket Federation, a six-team franchise structure and the growing international appeal of T10 cricket, the tournament will look to establish Rome as a new destination for short-format cricket and create a platform for the sport’s continued growth in Italy.
