Protesters mistake Pakistan's U-19 team for asylum seekers in Portsmouth
The situation became tense when a crowd gathered outside the Marriott hotel after reports that about 40 men who did not seem to be English had arrived at the hotel
A Pakistan Under-19 cricket team was mistaken for asylum seekers in Portsmouth, England. Protesters gathered outside the Marriott Hotel after rumors circulated that about 40 men who did not appear to be English were staying there. The situation escalated, and a crowd formed, leading to a tense standoff. George Madgwick, a Reform councillor, was called to intervene between the Pakistan Under-19 team staff and the gathered protesters.
After realizing the confusion, the coach of the team explained that they were actually a cricket club, and the crowd dispersed within minutes. The incident was described as highly unfortunate by both Madgwick and the Pakistan management. The ECB has reached out to the Pakistan management to review security arrangements following the incident.
The Pakistan Under-19 team had previously played against England Under-19 in a four-day game, which they lost by ten runs. They also won a Youth ODI against England on September 9. Pakistan's senior men's team is scheduled to play the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
