Teesside University graduate bowled over to join Italy’s T20 cricket squad

An international cricketer who is part of the first Italian squad to qualify for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup credits his time at Teesside University in backing his sporting career.

Gian-Piero Meade, who is better known as JP, graduated last year from Teesside University’s BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation.

JP came to Teesside as a Performance Sport Scholar on the TASS Dual Career Pathway, allowing him to balance his international cricketing career with his academic studies. The Performance Sport Scholarship supports students who are studying for a degree whilst continuing to compete at the top level of their sport.

Recalling his three years studying at Teesside University, JP said: “My time at Teesside University was very positive. The staff were supportive and flexible, particularly in accommodating the demands of elite sport alongside academic study.

“I was also involved as a gym instructor, which was a great opportunity to gain practical experience, develop professionally, and further apply what I was learning on my course. It was a rewarding experience and added another dimension to my time at Teesside.

“I graduated last year from the Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation degree, which I found both academically rigorous and highly relevant to my sporting career.

“I am looking forward to returning to Teesside University for postgraduate study, as I have a place on the MSc Physiotherapy programme for 2027. It really interested me, given the strong applied focus of the programmes and the quality of teaching and facilities I experienced during my undergraduate degree.”

He added: “The Performance Sport Scholarship was a significant factor in my decision to come to Teesside University. A major attraction was the opportunity to continue competing at a high level while also gaining a degree. Teesside offered a supportive environment that understood the demands of elite sport, allowing me to pursue my education alongside my cricket without compromising either. That balance was extremely important to me at the time.”

JP, who has played with the Italian squad since 2019, said: “Although I was a regular in the Italian national side, I hadn’t established a full career in cricket before arriving at Teesside, but the University played a meaningful role in my ongoing development.

“Access to high-quality facilities, strength and conditioning support, and a performance-focused environment at the University helped me continue to develop physically while balancing academic demands. Even small marginal gains at that stage of my career were important, and Teesside contributed positively to that process.”

The 2026 T20 World Cup biennial international tournament starts in India and Sri Lanka on February 7, continuing until March 8. Italy is in Group C of the tournament, along with England, Nepal, West Indies and Scotland.

The Italian team are due to play their first group game on February 9 against Scotland. Their group game against England is on February 16.

JP added: “In the lead-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup I was able to make good use of the facilities and support available at Teesside University. Access to the gym, rehabilitation resources, and sports science support allowed me to maintain consistency in my physical preparation for lead up toward camps, which was extremely valuable.”

Will Jones, Head of Sport at Teesside University, said: “Being part of the Italian squad over the last few years and helping them to reach their first-ever major international tournament is a huge achievement. We are all very proud of JP and have seen what this has meant to him. To be able to represent your country at a World Cup tournament is truly fantastic.” Find out more about the Performance Sport Scholarship.

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