Moises Henriques named Portugal captain for T20 World Cup Europe qualifier
Synopsis
A former Australian international with 44 caps is now leading Portugal's charge toward the 2028 T20 World Cup. Moises Henriques, born in Portugal and retired from Australian first-class cricket this year, brings rare top-level experience to a side competing in the ICC Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Finland — a tournament where the winner advances toward a shot at the 2028 global showpiece.
Key Takeaways
Moises Henriques , former Australia all-rounder, has been named captain of Portugal for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Finland .
Henriques, aged 39 , earned 44 international caps for Australia across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, with his last appearance in 2021 .
He is eligible for Portugal having been born there, and retired from Australian first-class cricket earlier this year.
Portugal are in Group B with the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, and Israel; the group winner advances to face the top team from Group A.
The tournament winner qualifies for the regional final as part of the route to the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Former Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques has been named captain of Portugal for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C, to be held in Finland. The appointment marks a new chapter in the career of the 39-year-old, who represented Australia across all three formats before his last international appearance in 2021.
From Baggy Green to Portuguese Colours
Henriques made his international debut for Australia in 2009 and went on to earn 44 international caps across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. He retired from first-class cricket in Australia earlier this year. Born in Portugal, he is eligible to represent the country under ICC qualification rules. Notably, Henriques previously captained Australia at the 2006 ICC Men's Under-19 Cricket World Cup — making him no stranger to leadership at international level.
What Portugal Are Playing For
The Finland tournament features 10 teams competing for a place in the regional final, which forms part of the qualification route for the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The team that wins the sub-regional qualifier advances to the next stage of the process.
Group Stage Setup
Portugal have been drawn in Group B alongside the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, and Israel. The group winner will face the top-placed team from Group A — comprising Finland, Bulgaria, the Isle of Man, Luxembourg, and Spain — to secure a berth in the next round.
What This Means for European Cricket
Henriques's arrival brings significant experience to a Portugal side that is working its way through the European qualification ladder. This comes amid growing ICC investment in Associate cricket, with the expanded 2028 T20 World Cup offering more qualification pathways for emerging nations. For Portugal, securing progression from this sub-regional stage would represent a meaningful step forward in the country's cricketing ambitions.
Point of View
Raising the competitive floor across Europe. For Portugal, this is a credibility boost, but the real test is whether one high-profile captain can accelerate the structural development the country's cricket programme needs. A single qualifier run does not build a cricket culture; sustained investment does. The ICC and Cricket Portugal would do well to ensure Henriques's involvement extends beyond the tournament itself.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Moises Henriques playing for Portugal?
Moises Henriques is eligible to represent Portugal because he was born in the country. Having retired from Australian first-class cricket earlier this year, he has taken up the opportunity to continue his international career under ICC eligibility rules.
What is the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C?
It is a qualifying tournament held in Finland featuring 10 Associate cricket nations from Europe. The winner advances to the regional final, which forms part of the broader qualification pathway for the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
How many international matches did Moises Henriques play for Australia?
Henriques represented Australia 44 times across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. He made his international debut in 2009 and played his last match for Australia in 2021.
Which teams are in Portugal's group at the qualifier?
Portugal are in Group B alongside the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, and Israel. The group winner will face the top-placed team from Group A — which includes Finland, Bulgaria, the Isle of Man, Luxembourg, and Spain — to progress to the next round.
When is the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup and where will it be held?
The 2028 Men's T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia and New Zealand. The Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Finland is one of the early-stage tournaments on the road to that event.
