The BBC has apologised after it showed footage of former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram in a Newsnight feature about his former teammate-turned-politician Imran Khan.

The news programme began Wednesday night's edition with a film chronicling Mr Khan’s journey from cricketing hero to potential prime minister.

Eagle eyed viewers were quick to spot that it featured left-arm bowler Wasim Akram. Mr Khan bowled right-handed.

Presenter Evan Davis offered his “sincere apologies” on air at the end of the programme, adding he did not “know how that happened”.

The programme's Twitter account admitted to “a bit of an error”, drawing mocking responses online.

“I’m guessing there aren’t any cricket fans on their research team,” Andy Clarke tweeted.

BBC producer Anisa Subedar tweeted that the mix-up was “insulting and shoddy”, adding that “a bit of an error” more accurately described dropping one’s phone in the toilet or leaving a travel card on a train.

The corporation later issued a separate, fuller statement.

A spokesperson said: “We’d like to reiterate the sincere apology we made on air last night for an error that occurred during the programme.