Pakistan U-19 Cricket Team Mistaken for Asylum Seekers During UK Protest

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team was caught up in an unusual incident in Portsmouth, England, after protesters mistakenly believed that the young cricketers were asylum seekers. The confusion occurred outside the Marriott Hotel, where the touring Pakistan Under-19 team was staying.

Around 30 to 40 people gathered outside the hotel on Tuesday evening following online claims that a group of foreign nationals had arrived by coach. Police were called to the location shortly before 6:30 PM and later established that the people being discussed were members of the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team.

The confusion was subsequently cleared after Reform councillor George Madgwick contacted the hotel and spoke with the Pakistan team’s coach. He then informed the protesters that the group was a cricket team and that they had mistaken the identity of the people arriving at the hotel.

The protesters left shortly afterwards. The incident was reportedly triggered by a photograph shared online showing people getting off a coach. Speculation about their identity followed, despite there being no confirmation that the people in the image were asylum seekers.

Madgwick later described the situation as being based on speculation rather than verified information. The incident highlighted how quickly assumptions and unverified claims shared online can lead to confusion.

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that officers spoke with the protesters and explained that their concerns were misplaced. Police said no offences were identified during the incident, and the crowd left the area shortly before 9 PM.

The incident also drew criticism from Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin, who said that misinformation had resulted in young cricketers being wrongly targeted. She stressed that discussions about immigration should be based on facts rather than rumours or unverified claims.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has checked on the wellbeing of the Pakistan Under-19 players and is reviewing security arrangements for the remainder of their tour.

The Pakistan Under-19 team is currently touring England as the senior Pakistan side competes against England at Test level. The junior team recently suffered a 10-run defeat against England Under-19 in a four-day match at Arundel before responding with a 177-run victory in the Youth ODI on September 9.

The Portsmouth incident has since brought additional attention to the touring team, although police confirmed that no offences were identified and the protest ended after the misunderstanding was explained.