Former Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques has been named captain of Portugal for their upcoming T20 World Cup qualification campaign. Henriques will lead the 14-member squad at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Finland. The tournament will take place from August 14 to 20. Portugal are attempting to reach the T20 World Cup for the first time. Henriques, 39, was born in Madeira, Portugal. His family moved to Australia when he was young. He later represented Australia in four Tests, 16 ODIs and 24 T20Is.
Portugal have been placed in Group B alongside Israel, Germany, Greece and the Czech Republic. The group winner will progress to the qualifier final on August 21. The eventual champion will advance to the European regional final. Scotland, Jersey and Denmark have already secured places there. The top two teams from that stage will reach the global qualifier for the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The Portuguese player recently retired from Australian domestic cricket after a long career with New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers. He remains active in overseas cricket and is contracted to Glasgow Cosmic for the inaugural European T20 Premier League. The former Australian player’s experience will be crucial as Portugal chase a historic qualification.
Former New Zealand batter Craig Cachopa joins Portugal for T20 World Cup qualifiers
Portugal have added another experienced cricketer to their squad for the T20 World Cup qualification campaign. Former New Zealand domestic player Craig Cachopa has reportedly come out of retirement to represent Portugal. Cachopa, 34, was born in South Africa and has Portuguese heritage. He played domestic cricket in New Zealand for Auckland and Wellington. He also captained Auckland during his professional career. His return gives Portugal another experienced batter ahead of the European Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Finland.
Portugal are attempting to reach the 2028 T20 World Cup for the first time. The European Sub-Regional Qualifier C will be held in Finland from August 14 to 21. Ten teams are divided into two groups, with the tournament winner advancing to the European regional final. Portugal will have several experienced players in their squad, including Henriques and Cachopa. Their recruitment highlights the growing ambition of Portuguese cricket. The team has also brought in players with backgrounds in South Africa, Australia, England and New Zealand. The addition of Cachopa could strengthen Portugal’s batting and leadership options. His experience in New Zealand domestic cricket will be particularly valuable during a high-pressure qualification campaign.
