Moises Henriques Named Portugal Captain: T20 World Cup Bid Begins

Portugal Cricket has officially appointed former Australian international Moises Henriques as the captain of their national team. The 39-year-old allrounder, who recently announced his retirement from Australian domestic cricket, will lead Portugal’s ambitious campaign to qualify for the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup. Henriques brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of the game, including multiple international appearances for Australia and leadership roles in the Big Bash League, which Portugal hopes will elevate their competitive standing among Associate nations.

The move represents a significant homecoming for Henriques, who was born in Funchal, Madeira—the same hometown as football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he moved to Australia at a young age and represented them in all three formats, Henriques has maintained a deep connection to his Portuguese heritage. His decision to represent his country of birth follows a growing trend of veteran cricketers moving to Associate nations to help develop the sport and guide younger squads through complex qualification pathways.

Portugal’s roadmap for the 2028 T20 World Cup begins with regional qualification tournaments where they will face other European Associate members. The inclusion of a player of Henriques’ calibre is expected to professionalize the team's training standards and tactical approach. For the global cricket community, this development highlights the increasing fluidity of international representation and the potential for established stars to act as catalysts for growth in non-traditional cricket markets across Europe.