Daniel Vettori in 'Soulmates' online dating ad

Former Black Caps cricket captain Daniel Vettori's profile has appeared on a dating website

Former Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori has popped up in an online dating ad on the main page of The Guardian, one of the world's largest news websites.

Appearing at the bottom of the guardian.co.uk's site, the ad for the media outlet's "Soulmates" single service featured a photo of Vettori under its "search for men" panel.

The shot of the former cricketer's image was spotted by Twitter user John Hudson.

Can someone tell Vettori that the Guardian is using a photo of him to advertise its singles website? @BLACKCAPS pic.twitter.com/ifM1Vc8t8d

— John Hudson (@thesonofhud) March 8, 2016

Vettori, who is married with three children, was unaware of the ad before being contacted.

Essentially Group's Greg Dyer, who works as Vettori's agent, has asked The Guardian to remove the picture and take down the profile.

Vettori confirmed to Fairfax News he did not have a profile with the dating service.

Former Black Caps cricket captain Daniel Vettori's profile has appeared on a dating website

The Guardian has been contacted for comment.

- nzherald.co.nz