Italian Cricket secures Generali backing ahead of first men’s T20 World Cup appearance

Generali has announced a sponsorship agreement with the Italian National Cricket Team, supporting the team as it prepares for its first-ever appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.

The partnership marks a landmark moment for Italian cricket as the national side steps onto the global stage in the sport’s shortest and most commercially influential format for the first time. Italy secured qualification for the 2026 tournament following a strong campaign through the European qualifying pathway, reflecting the steady growth, organisation, and competitiveness of cricket within the country.

Rob Leonardi, Asia Regional Officer, Generali, said, “Given the prominence of cricket in this dynamic region for sports, Generali is proud to be supporting Italy’s debut in the T20 World Cup. The national team has made great strides as they’ve built their global reputation, and we are glad to play a role in celebrating their achievements to date – while very much looking forward to what more they’ll achieve in the future.”

Maria Lorena Haz Paz, President of the Italian Cricket Federation, added, “We are extremely pleased to strengthen our partnership with Generali, an Italian brand of outstanding international stature. This collaboration represents not only a valuable support for our National Team ahead of a historic World Cup debut, but also a shared vision based on growth, values and long-term development. Having such a prestigious Italian partner alongside us at this stage of our journey is a source of pride for the entire Italian cricket movement.”

Under the agreement, Generali will feature as an official sponsor of the Italian national team throughout the World Cup cycle. The partnership includes branding across playing and training kits, digital and social media integrations, and fan engagement initiatives linked to Italy’s participation in the tournament.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to be one of the most widely followed editions of the event, with India and Sri Lanka providing a powerful cricketing and commercial backdrop. The tournament is set to deliver extensive global broadcast reach and digital engagement, offering sponsors exposure across established and emerging cricket markets.

Italy have been placed in Group C for the group stage, alongside Scotland, England, Nepal, and the West Indies. The team will play its matches in Kolkata and Mumbai, with fixtures scheduled at Eden Gardens and the Wankhede Stadium. Italy will face Scotland on 9 February at Eden Gardens, take on Nepal on 12 February at the Wankhede Stadium, return to Eden Gardens to play England on 16 February, and conclude the group stage against West Indies at the same venue on 19 February.

The iconic settings of Eden Gardens, one of world cricket’s most historic venues, and the Wankhede Stadium, synonymous with many of the sport’s defining moments, will provide a global showcase for Italy’s World Cup debut.

Generali was among the earliest partners of the Italian Cricket Federation, supporting the organisation during its formative years as it laid the foundations for the sport’s development in Italy. Generali Asia’s sponsorship of the national team’s first appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 reinforces this long-standing relationship and highlights a continued commitment to supporting the growth of cricket in Italy and beyond.

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