Italian cricket is preparing to enter a new era with the launch of Italia T10 Cricket, the country’s first city-based franchise competition, which will take place in Rome later this year.

The inaugural tournament is scheduled for October 30 to November 7, featuring six city-based franchises and carrying the official endorsement of the Italian Cricket Federation. Matches will be played in the fast-paced T10 format, with games lasting around 90 minutes, while organisers plan to stream the competition in more than 30 countries.

The venture is being delivered by UK-based Apex T10 Ltd, founded by former cricketers Nadeem Shahid and Aamir Akhtar, with the ambition of developing the sport in Associate countries through franchise competition.

The timing is significant. With cricket returning to the Olympic programme at Los Angeles in 2028, Italian administrators believe the new league can increase the game’s profile, create additional opportunities for players and clubs and help raise domestic standards.

The competition is being established within the ICC sanctioning framework, with the Italian Cricket Federation coordinating the application process.

Federation Extraordinary Commissioner Gianfranco Ravà described the partnership as an important step for Italian cricket.

“This is a very positive moment for Italian cricket, both for our national teams and for the continued development of the sport across the country,” he said.

“We are pleased to officially endorse an initiative that shares our commitment to growing cricket in Italy in a structured, professional and sustainable manner.”

Ravà added that the federation hoped the partnership would prove a long and successful one for the wider Italian cricket community.

There is considerable cricketing experience behind the project.

Chief executive Nadeem Shahid played more than two decades of first-class cricket with Essex and Surrey, represented England A and later spent four seasons coaching at Surrey. His career also moved into business, with interests across several sectors.

Chairman Aamir Akhtar is a former Nepal international and founder of the Everest Premier League, one of South Asia’s established franchise competitions. He has also worked closely with the Cricket Association of Nepal on the development of the game and its international relationships.

The pair believe Italy provides fertile ground for the continued expansion of T10 cricket.

For the Italian game, the ambitions go beyond simply staging another tournament. Organisers hope the league can create a pathway for local talent, introduce new audiences to cricket and provide greater visibility for a sport still seeking to establish a broader foothold in the country.

If the inaugural edition delivers on those aspirations, Rome could provide the setting for an important new chapter in Italian cricket.