ECB Apologizes for Ill-Judged Post Linking Pope to Cricket Ashes

Amid the ongoing buzz around The Ashes, a cricket series steeped in history and rivalry, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) found itself in hot water over a recent social media misstep. This occurred after the ECB made a light-hearted comment linking the series to the Pope, which has since been retracted and apologized for.

The incident unfolded when the Pope, who has been hospitalized for three weeks, referenced The Ashes on Ash Wednesday in a message on X, stating, “The Ashes remind us of who we are, which does us good. It puts us in our place, smooths out the rough edges of our narcissism, brings us back to reality, and makes us more humble and open to one another. None of us is God; we are all on a journey.”

In response, the ECB quipped, “Even @Pontifex loves The Ashes,” leading to backlash and the subsequent deletion of the post. The ECB’s spokesperson later expressed regret over the “ill-judged” comment.

The Significance of Ash Wednesday

On Ash Wednesday, many Christians observe the tradition of placing ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. This ritual signifies the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection leading up to Easter. The ashes symbolize human mortality and the biblical passage from Genesis that reminds believers of their earthly origins and ultimate return to dust.

This practice also serves as a declaration of faith, marking individuals as followers of Jesus, a sign of repentance and mourning.

The Origins of The Ashes in Cricket

The Ashes series, a celebrated cricket rivalry between England and Australia, traces its name back to a satirical newspaper article from 1882. The piece humorously suggested that after Australia’s first victory in England, “the body [of English cricket] will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.”

Dating back to the first test match in 1877 in Melbourne, The Ashes is considered one of the oldest and most cherished sporting rivalries. Unlike other fierce competitions, such as England vs. Germany in football or India vs. Pakistan in cricket, The Ashes is noted for its absence of historical animosity, embodying a spirit of wholesome competition.