Kentucky Fried Chicken has pulled a controversial Australian cricket ad and apologised for "any misinterpretation" as furious debate raged in the American media about whether it was racist.

The commercial, featuring a white Australian cricket fan offering fried chicken to West Indies supporters, has been pulled from the air in Australia.

"KFC Australia is removing the television advertisement that was being run in conjunction with the Australian cricket season," the fast-food giant's US head office announced.

"We apologise for any misinterpretation of the ad as it was not meant to offend anyone."