Greece turns to Australian Greek talent in bid for historic World Cup spot

Inspired by Italy's remarkable rise on the international stage, Greece is now pursuing a similar blueprint, assembling a squad featuring Australia-based cricketers of Greek heritage as it targets qualification for the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Italy secured a historic maiden World Cup berth this year largely with a squad built around Australian-raised players of Italian descent. They further underlined their progress with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Nepal in their second match of the tournament—a success that has become a model for Greece to emulate.

Although cricket has a history spanning more than two centuries in Greece, particularly on the island of Corfu, the Hellenic Cricket Federation (HCF) is now turning to Australia's sizeable Greek diaspora to strengthen its international ambitions. More than 4,00,000 people of Greek origin currently live in Australia.

The most notable name in Greece's preliminary 14-member squad is Billy Konstas, the elder brother of Australian Test cricketer Sam Konstas. The 24-year-old Sydney-based cricketer plays club cricket, works as a coach and is also a professional physiotherapist.

Sam Konstas burst onto the international scene after making his Australia Test debut at just 19, grabbing headlines during the 2024 Boxing Day Test against India.

Greece has also included 21-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder Blake Fonce, who has represented the Australian Capital Territory at age-group level and is regarded as one of the country's emerging prospects.

Another major target is Peter Hatzoglou, the 27-year-old leg-spinner who has featured in franchise tournaments including the Big Bash League, The Hundred and the Pakistan Super League, while discussions are also ongoing with Blake Nikitaras, a New South Wales batter with first-class and BBL experience.

Greece is preparing for the 10-team European Sub-Regional Qualifier C, scheduled to be held in Finland from August 14 to 21, which marks the opening stage of qualification for the 2028 T20 World Cup.

However, unlike Italy, Greece is not looking to rely entirely on overseas-based cricketers. Instead, the federation aims to build a balanced squad by blending local talent with players from the Greek diaspora. Nearly two-thirds of the preliminary squad was born in Greece.

The qualification road will not be straightforward. Greece has been drawn alongside Germany and Portugal in a highly competitive group, with Portugal also attempting to strengthen its squad by securing former Australia international Moises Henriques.