The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently found itself in hot water following an ill-judged social media post that jokingly suggested Pope Francis has an affinity for The Ashes, the renowned cricket series between England and Australia. The ECB's post, which was quickly deleted, was a response to an earlier tweet from the England Cricket account that read, "Even @Pontifex loves The Ashes." This lighthearted attempt at humor did not sit well with many, prompting the ECB to issue an apology.
Pope Francis, who uses the Twitter handle @Pontifex, had posted a solemn message to mark Ash Wednesday, signaling the start of Lent, a significant 40-day period for Christians leading up to Easter. His message urged reflection, humility, and a reminder of one's place in the world.
"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." – Pope Francis
In light of the serious tone of Pope Francis' message, the ECB's post appeared insensitive. An ECB spokesperson acknowledged that the joke was inappropriate, stating it was "ill-judged" and affirming the decision to remove it swiftly.
The Ashes series holds a venerable place in cricket history, having first been played in 1882-83. It is named after a satirical obituary published in The Sporting Times, which humorously declared that English cricket had died, and its ashes would be taken to Australia after England lost the series 2-0. Today, The Ashes remains one of cricket's most iconic and prestigious events, fiercely contested by England and Australia.
The series is a highlight of the cricket calendar, with intense rivalries and historic matches that captivate fans worldwide. The team that emerges victorious in this storied competition claims not only victory but also bragging rights until they meet again.
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