Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team was mistakenly identified as asylum seekers by anti-immigration protesters outside their Portsmouth hotel. Several protesters gathered before a local councillor clarified that the group were visiting cricketers. The protesters then dispersed without confrontation, allowing the Pakistan U-19 team to continue their England tour.

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team was caught in an unusual situation in Portsmouth, England, after a group of anti-immigration protesters reportedly mistook the young cricketers for asylum seekers staying at their hotel. The incident took place amid heightened tensions in the city over recent demonstrations against migrants.

Protesters gathered outside the Marriott hotel after reports circulated that a large group of foreign men had arrived there. The presence of a coach from a company also used to transport asylum seekers reportedly added to the confusion, with protesters believing the hotel was accommodating migrants.

Pakistan U-19 Cricket Team Reportedly Mistaken For Asylum Seekers

The misunderstanding was cleared up after George Madgwick, a Reform councillor whose ward includes the hotel, arrived at the scene. He spoke with hotel officials and the Pakistan team's coach, who confirmed that the group staying at the property was the visiting Pakistan Under-19 cricket team. Madgwick then informed the protesters that they had mistaken the cricketers for asylum seekers.