Vatican to launch its international cricket club

October 17, 2013: The Pontifical Council for Culture this week announced the formation of the Vatican’s very own cricket club, which will include players from countries across the English speaking world where the sport remains hugely popular. The launch comes as part of a broader programme of sports initiatives spearheaded by the Council and will be officially presented at a press conference on Tuesday October 22nd.

Going in to bat and bowl for the Vatican team will be mainly priests and seminarians who played cricket back in their home countries and are keen to keep their eye on the ball during their time here in Rome. The organisers foresee some interesting ecumenical and interfaith prospects for the club and they are also on the lookout for any religious sisters interested in forming a women’s XI as well.

The driving force behind this idea is the Australian ambassador to the Holy See, John McCarthy, a passionate player himself and former member of the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust. Philippa Hitchen of the Vatican Radio caught up with him at the Council on Tuesday to find out more.
During the interaction, he said “There was fairly ready recognition of the fact that there is a very prominent position by this sport in the East and in the English-speaking world...and that there are many priests and seminarians in Rome who have played and want to play cricket...

On top of that, there are dimensions about this that could involve the Church in interfaith activity...there are many players here in Rome who would like to see, for instance, the Vatican play the Church of England and I understand there will be discussions soon with this in mind....

Cricket as a sport is something that covers many religions and ethnic groups...the Vatican could play the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs....internationally one would have a team representing the Vatican drawn from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies and it would obviously generate a lot of interest from the faithful in various areas of the world.....

They are looking for Sri Lankan, Indian or Pakistani sisters who have played cricket and if they are found, they certainly will be invited to join the cricket team..."