Moises Henriques Appointed Portugal Captain for T20 World Cup European Qualifiers
Former Australia international Moises Henriques has completed a switch of allegiance to Portugal and has been named captain of the national squad for the upcoming European sub-regional qualifying tournament in Finland.
What Happened
The 39-year-old all-rounder, who was born in Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira and relocated to Sydney at the age of two, recently retired from Australian domestic cricket after the Sydney Sixers chose not to renew his contract. Across his international career with Australia between 2009 and 2021, Henriques featured in four Test matches, 16 One-Day Internationals, and 24 T20 Internationals, having previously captained Australia at the 2006 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Henriques takes over the Portuguese captaincy from Carlos Nunes, who remains in the 14-member squad. Speaking on the BBC Stumped podcast, Henriques expressed his ambition to guide Portugal to its first-ever Men’s T20 World Cup, noting that qualification would mark a high point in the closing stages of his competitive career.
Key Highlights
- Tournament Details: The European sub-regional qualifying event takes place in Finland from August 14 to 20, featuring 10 competing nations.
- Group Stage Draw: Ranked 37th globally, Portugal will compete in Group B against Israel, Germany, Greece, and the Czech Republic.
- Pathway to 2028: The winner of the tournament in Finland will progress to the European regional final to face Scotland, Jersey, and Denmark in the qualification cycle for the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
- Squad Composition: Portugal’s team features several players with high-level experience, including former Sussex and New Zealand domestic wicketkeeper-batter Craig Cachopa, former South Africa A player Cameron Shekleton, former Gauteng List A player Sebastian de Oliveira, spinner Siraj Ullah Khadem, and previous captain Carlos Nunes.
- Playing Conditions: The tournament in Finland requires competing on artificial turf, an adjustment Henriques noted he has not experienced in 25 years.
Why This Matters
Henriques’ transition brings seasoned top-level international and franchise experience to Portugal as the country pursues advancement through the ICC qualification structure. Portugal aims to elevate its cricket profile and build momentum across the continent, with Henriques noting the broader goal of expanding the sport’s footprint in Portugal and Europe.
What to Watch Next
Portugal will begin its campaign in Group B of the sub-regional qualifiers against Israel, Germany, Greece, and the Czech Republic. The team must finish top of its group and win the tournament final to secure the single qualification berth into the European regional final. Additionally, Henriques is set to feature for Glasgow Cosmic in the inaugural season of the European T20 Premier League.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Moises Henriques’ international career statistics with Australia?
Between 2009 and 2021, Henriques represented Australia in four Tests, 16 ODIs, and 24 T20Is. He also led Australia as captain during the 2006 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
What is Portugal’s current global ranking in cricket?
Portugal is currently ranked 37th in the world in men’s cricket.
Which teams are in Portugal’s group at the qualifiers in Finland?
Portugal is drawn in Group B alongside Germany, Israel, Greece, and the Czech Republic.
Source: CricTracker / BBC Stumped.