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 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 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 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 (ECB) has apologised for a social media post that joked the hospitalised Pope Francis "loves the Ashes", reports said.

The England and Wales Cricket Board have been forced to apologise for an “ill-judged” social media post that made fun of Pope Francis. The Pope remains in hospital after being admitted for double pneumonia nearly three weeks ago.

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 apologised for a social media post that joked the hospitalised Pope Francis "loves the Ashes", reports said. "This was an ill-judged post and was swiftly deleted.