Greece call up Konstas to help T20 World Cup bid
Greece have called up Billy Konstas, elder brother of Australia Test batter Sam Konstas, to their national squad as they launch a surprise bid to qualify for the 2028 men's T20 World Cup. The move highlights how smaller cricketing nations are increasingly turning to diaspora talent to boost their competitiveness, following a path similar to Italy's, which reached this year's T20 World Cup with an entirely Australian-born squad drawing on Italian heritage.
Billy, 24, plays grade cricket in Sydney and combines coaching with physiotherapy work; he features in Greece's 14-man squad for a European qualifying event in Finland from 14 to 21 August, alongside fellow Greek-Australian all-rounder Blake Faunce. The Hellenic Cricket Federation has also held talks with New South Wales cricketer Blake Nikitaras and Big Bash/Hundred player Peter Hatzoglou, though neither is currently expected to be available. Despite the Australian recruitment drive, officials say roughly two-thirds of the Finland squad were born in Greece, reflecting a cautious approach to blending diaspora talent with homegrown players from Greece's Corfu-centred cricket scene. Greece face group favourites Germany and a Portugal side featuring former Australia international Moises Henriques in their qualifying pool.
- Greece recruit Sam Konstas's brother Billy for T20 World Cup qualifying bid
- Squad for August's Finland qualifier is two-thirds Greek-born players
- Greece face favourites Germany and Portugal in their qualifying group