Geoffrey Boycott has offered an unreserved apology for an alleged racist comment.
The 76-year-old former England and Yorkshire batsman suggested he would have a better chance of being knighted if he "blacked up", the Daily Mirror reported on Tuesday.
And Boycott responded on Twitter, accepting his comments were "unacceptable" and "clearly wrong".
Boycott wrote on Twitter on Tuesday: "Speaking at an informal gathering I was asked a question and I realise my answer was unacceptable.
"I meant no offence but what I said was clearly wrong and I apologise unreservedly.
"I have loved West Indian cricket my whole life and have the utmost respect for its players."
The Mirror reported that Boycott was speaking at a question-and-answer session during a break in play of England's day-night Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Boycott was alleged to have said knighthoods were handed out like "confetti" to West Indies cricketers, including Sir Viv Richards, Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Curtly Ambrose.
The Mirror reported Boycott said: "Mine's been turned down twice. I'd better black me face."
Boycott played 108 Tests for England, scoring 8114 runs at an average of 47.72. He hit 22 Test centuries and 42 half-centuries.
He was renowned for his defensive play, but more recently Boycott has become known for his scathing punditry on television and radio.
He is often a contributor to Test Match Special on BBC Radio 4.
The Press Association has approached the BBC for comment.
Source: PA
