Italia T10 Cricket: Italy Announces First City-Based Franchise League in Rome
The Italian Cricket Federation has officially endorsed Italia T10 Cricket, establishing Italy’s first city-based franchise tournament in the 10-over format. Scheduled to take place in Rome from October 30 to November 7, 2026, the nine-day competition will feature six city franchises and will be broadcast across more than 30 countries.
What Happened
Italia T10 Cricket has been launched as Italy’s inaugural city-based franchise cricket league under the official backing of the Italian Cricket Federation. The tournament will feature six city-based teams competing in matches lasting 10 overs per side over a nine-day window in Rome.
The league is organised by Apex T10 Ltd, a UK-headquartered firm co-founded by former professional players Nadeem Shahid and Aamir Akhtar. To ensure the tournament fits within recognised international regulations, the Italian Cricket Federation is coordinating an application for formal sanctioning from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Gianfranco Ravà, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Italian Cricket Federation, stated, as quoted by Cricket World, that the tournament represents a positive moment for Italian cricket, national teams, and sport development nationwide. He noted that the federation endorsed the project to support cricket in Italy in a structured, professional, and sustainable manner.
Key Highlights
- Tournament Dates: October 30 to November 7, 2026.
- Host City: Rome, Italy.
- Competition Format: Six city-based franchises competing in 10-over-a-side matches across nine days.
- Organisers: UK-based Apex T10 Ltd, led by co-founders Nadeem Shahid and Aamir Akhtar.
- Broadcast Reach: Live television coverage arranged across more than 30 countries starting from the debut edition.
- Governance: The Italian Cricket Federation is coordinating the official ICC sanctioning process.
Why This Matters
The establishment of Italia T10 Cricket represents a deliberate initiative by the Italian Cricket Federation to develop the game locally through a structured and regulated professional model. Seeking ICC sanctioning places the competition under standard international governance.
The tournament’s launch coincides with increased global attention on cricket following the sport’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This development has heightened focus on cricket in associate and emerging nations, including Italy.
Additionally, the management behind Apex T10 Ltd brings professional playing and administrative experience. Nadeem Shahid holds over two decades of first-class experience with Essex and Surrey, England A recognition, multiple County Championship titles, and four seasons on Surrey’s coaching staff. Co-founder Aamir Akhtar, a former international player for Nepal, established the Everest Premier League, bringing direct tournament creation and management experience from an emerging market.
What to Watch Next
The primary administrative milestone ahead of the tournament is the completion and outcome of the ICC sanctioning process coordinated by the Italian Cricket Federation. Further details regarding team names, player recruitment, and specific broadcast partners are expected prior to the tournament opening on October 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the Italia T10 Cricket tournament be held?
The inaugural edition will take place in Rome from October 30 to November 7, 2026.
How many teams are participating in the league?
The tournament will feature six city-based franchises playing 10 overs per side.
Who is organising the competition?
The competition is being organised by UK-based Apex T10 Ltd, co-founded by former professional cricketers Nadeem Shahid and Aamir Akhtar, with the official endorsement of the Italian Cricket Federation.
Will the tournament be broadcast internationally?
Yes, live broadcast arrangements are set to cover more than 30 countries beginning with the first edition.
Source: Crictracker, with statements quoted via Cricket World.