Cricket world rallies behind Pat Cummins after his mother Maria’s death

The cricket world is wrapping its arms around Pat Cummins after his mother Maria sadly lost her battle after a fight with breast cancer.

Australian cricket has rallied around the Cummins family after the passing of Pat Cummins’ mother Maria after a long battle with illness.

Maria Cummins lost her battle with breast cancer, having been diagnosed initially in 2005.

She entered palliative care recently, with Pat Cummins departing India to be with her alongside his family, which includes brothers Matt and Tim, as well as sisters Laura and Kara.

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The sad news was revealed on Friday with Cricket Australia releasing a statement to say the side would be wearing black armbands in honour of Maria’s life.

We are deeply saddened at the passing of Maria Cummins overnight. On behalf of Australian Cricket, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat, the Cummins family and their friends. The Australian Men's team will today wear black armbands as a mark of respect.

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 10, 2023

The Sydney Morning Herald revealed that Cummins had been in touch with the team camp over the past few days, thanking his teammates for their support.

The Cummins family hail from Mount Riverview in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, with all three brothers playing first grade cricket for Penrith and both sisters playing high level netball.

Pat Cummins alongside mother Maria (left) and sisters Kara and Laura.

Cummins has been vocal about his passion for social justice, and says it comes from his parents, who volunteer in local feed-the-homeless programs and instilled in him a strong social conscience.

Maria had been in remission from her original diagnosis for a significant period of time, and Pat wrote about the way it affected him as a primary-school aged boy in a 2018 column.

“Mum has always been incredibly strong,” he wrote.

The world paid tribute to Maria after the news of her passing.

Prime Minster Anthony Albanese tweeted: “Very sad to learn Maria Cummins has passed away. My deepest sympathies to @patcummins30 and his family for their loss. All Australians will be thinking of you today.”

Fox Sports’ Brendan Julian and Brad Haddin shared their condolences before the start of play as well.

Our deepest condolences to Pat and the Cummins family, our thoughts are with you with all during this time. pic.twitter.com/mAOpW9ReUk

— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) March 10, 2023

On behalf of Indian Cricket, we express our sadness at the passing away of Pat Cummins mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family in this difficult period 🙏

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 10, 2023

Heartbreaking. 💔 🙏🏽

Thinking of you Pat, and the family. https://t.co/4uq5KpWb9w

— Trent Copeland (@copes9) March 10, 2023

Very sad news and thoughts with the Cummins family, maybe those who were critical might show some common decency and respect

— Jim Wilson (@JimWilsonMedia) March 10, 2023

The cricket world rallied around Cummins once it became apparent his mother was not well, with the Barmy Army sharing a video of their trumpeter playing ‘Maria’ from West Side Story in recognition of Maria Cummins during the second Test between England and New Zealand.

“This is amazing, thank you,” he wrote in reply.

“Mum loved watching this and felt very touched.”

‘Maria’ from West Side Story in support of Pat Cummins, who’s mother Maria has entered palliative care ❤️#NZvENGpic.twitter.com/rjjMdxooEw

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) February 24, 2023

Tim Cummins, Matt Cummins and Pat Cummins (left to right).

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc said the cricket community had been incredibly supportive after the loss of his father Paul, who died of cancer a matter of weeks after 2020-21 series against India.

“Having been through a similar situation recently, it’s a hard place to be,” Starc said. “Trying to get your head around playing international cricket and for him to captain at the same time when your mind might be back home or with your family.

“We’re sons, partners, fathers first, people first, and cricketers second. He’s got the complete support of the group. It’s been tough to see him go through it from afar, so nice for him to get the opportunity to go home, be around the family, support the rest of his family and to go through that while not being overseas at the same time.”

Originally published as Cricket world rallies behind Pat Cummins after his mother Maria’s death