Pakistan U19 Cricket Team Mistaken for Asylum Seekers in England, Protest Erupts Outside Hotel

PORTSMOUTH: Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team unexpectedly became the focus of attention in the British city of Portsmouth after it was mistakenly identified as a group of asylum seekers, prompting a protest outside their hotel.

According to reports, a group of around 40 foreign nationals arrived at the Marriott Hotel, where some people reportedly mistook them for asylum seekers and began protesting.

The situation became tense as demonstrators gathered outside the hotel.

Reform Party councillor George Maddock contacted the hotel to help resolve the situation and spoke to the Pakistan Under-19 team’s coach. He later informed the protesters that the group consisted of members of a cricket team rather than asylum seekers, after which the demonstrators dispersed within a few minutes.

Maddock described the incident as extremely unfortunate.

Following the incident, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) contacted Pakistan cricket authorities, while the security arrangements for the Pakistan Under-19 team are being reviewed.

The Pakistan Under-19 team played a four-day match against England Under-19 from September 2 to 5 and suffered a 10-run defeat. However, Pakistan bounced back in the Youth ODI played on September 9, securing a comprehensive 177-run victory.