Vatican City Cricket Team Guide
Vatican City, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy, is known for being the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s also home to the Pope and a treasure trove of iconic art and architecture. However, what many might not know is that Vatican City has its own cricket team, known as the St. Peter’s Cricket Club or the Vatican Cricket Team.
History of Vatican City Cricket Team
The Vatican City cricket team, also known as St. Peter’s Cricket Club, was established to foster ties between the Catholic Church and regions where cricket is popular, such as India and the Caribbean, and to encourage inter-faith dialogue. The team played its first match in 2008 against the Dutch Fellowing Of Oddly Odd Countries Cricket Club. The official establishment of the team was in 2013, initiated by Australia’s ambassador to the Holy See, John McCarthy. The team, comprising priests, deacons, and seminarians, primarily from India, with some from England, Sri Lanka, Italy and Pakistan, is sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Culture.
Where Does The Vatican City Cricket Team Play?
The Vatican City cricket team plays its home matches at the Roma Capannelle Cricket Ground, the only international cricket ground in Rome. This ground is also the home of Roma Capannelle CC. This hasn’t exactly hosted international cricket teams but has seen other religious sides visit.
Memorable Games For The Vatican City Cricket Team
One memorable match for the Vatican City cricket team was played on 19 September 2014 against the Anglican XI at the Spitfire Ground, St. Lawrence Canterbury (Kent). The match was closely contested, with St. Peter’s XI scoring 106/4 in 20 overs and the Anglican XI achieving 108/4 in 19.1 overs.
Rivals Of The Vatican City Cricket Team
The Vatican City cricket team does not have traditional rivals in the sense of competitive international cricket. However, their matches, such as those against the Anglican XI, are more focused on promoting interfaith harmony and dialogue rather than fierce rivalry.
For team guides on some more profound and established national sides, take a look at Cricket Today.
