The England and Wales Cricket Board has apologized after its social media staff reposted a message from the account of Pope Francis and suggested the pontiff, who is in hospital being treated for double pneumonia, was a fan of the Ashes series.

The England and Wales Cricket Board faced backlash after joking about Pope Francis "loving the Ashes" in response to his Ash Wednesday message. The post was deleted, and ECB issued an apology for the insensitivity.

The repost suggested the pontiff, who is in hospital being treated for double pneumonia, was a fan of the Ashes series.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has apologised after deleting a social media post that joked Pope Francis “loves the Ashes”.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has apologised for a social media post that joked the hospitalised Pope Francis 'loves the Ashes'

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been forced to apologise over a joke about Pope Francis. The 88-year-old Pope has been under medical care for a number of weeks and is reportedly battling a respiratory condition.