( CNN ) -- With cups of tea and cucumber sandwiches at the ready , the Vatican has launched itself into the international sporting arena -- with the formation of the new St. Peter 's Cricket Club . Organizers hope the team will take on challengers from the Church of England and other faiths , while inspiring legions of believers and cricket fans around the world . The refreshments were the backdrop to Tuesday 's announcement of the club 's formation by the Pontifical Council for Culture , with a little help from Australia . John McCarthy , Australia 's ambassador to the Holy See , has been a driving force behind bringing a game that he acknowledges is baffling to many to the Vatican . `` They were wondering what this 'cricket ' is , as to whether it 's a game , or an insect or both , '' he joked in an interview for Vatican Radio . `` But can I say that 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 cricket and want to play cricket . Many in Rome would like to see their newly fledged team play the Church of England , McCarthy said . He anticipates discussions soon aimed at arranging a match between the two sides in England -- a game that could prompt a rivalry not seen since the Church of England split from the Roman Catholic Church nearly 500 years ago . Fans will no doubt hope that game is played at Lord 's Cricket Ground in London , known as the home of cricket . Members of the new club are expected to play in the yellow and white Vatican colors , with the keys of St. Peter as their emblem . And both sides may end up praying for divine intervention if the umpire does n't call in their favor . McCarthy also sees the Vatican club as having a wider reach . `` Cricket as a sport is something that covers many , many religions and ethnic groups ... the Vatican could play the Hindus , they could play the Muslims , they could play the Sikhs , '' he told Vatican Radio . `` Internationally one would have a team that represented the Vatican , the Holy See , that was drawn from India , Pakistan , Bangladesh , Australia , England , New Zealand , South Africa and the West Indies -- what an international team that would be . `` And it would obviously generate a lot of interest with the faithful who are both faithful to the church and faithful to cricket in various areas of the world . '' Some students have already been warming up with a series of matches in Rome , McCarthy said . But the wider program is not expected to come into play until next year , when the club hopes to have a team ready for international sporting events . And it 's not just the priests who can get in on the sporting action . The organizers are also looking for nuns who may have wielded a cricket bat in the past to join a women 's XI , or team . `` They are looking for Sri Lankan , Indian and Pakistani sisters who have played cricket , and if they are found , they certainly will be invited to join the cricket club , '' said McCarthy . `` There 's certainly no intention not to have a women 's cricket team at the Vatican . '' CNN 's Talia Kayali contributed to this report .
Vatican announces the formation of St Peter 's Cricket Club . The club hopes to field a team against the Church of England and other sides next year . Cricket `` is something that covers many , many religions and ethnic groups , '' says Australian envoy . The side will play in the yellow and white Vatican colors , with the keys of St Peter as emblem .