Pakistan U-19 cricket team mistaken for asylum seekers during UK protest

Pakistan's Under-19 cricketers were caught in an extraordinary mix-up in Portsmouth after protesters mistook the touring team for asylum seekers. Police later confirmed the concerns were misplaced, with no offences identified during the incident.

In Short

• Around 30 to 40 protesters gathered outside Portsmouth Marriott on Tuesday evening
• Police arrived before 6.30pm and clarified the coach carried cricketers
• Councillor George Madgwick spoke to the coach and calmed the crowd

A Pakistan Under-19 cricket team found itself at the centre of an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth after protesters mistakenly believed the young cricketers were asylum seekers. The bizarre mix-up unfolded outside the Marriott Hotel, where the touring Pakistan side was staying.

Around 30 to 40 people gathered outside the hotel on Tuesday evening after rumours spread online that a group of foreign nationals had arrived by coach. Police were called to the scene shortly before 6.30pm, with officers later establishing that the group in question was actually Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team.

Reform councillor George Madgwick helped clear up the confusion after contacting the hotel and speaking with the Pakistan team's coach. He then approached the protesters and explained that they had got the wrong group.

"I spoke to the coach of the team, who was very understanding," Madgwick told the Guardian.

"I went out to the protesters and told them, 'You've got it wrong guys, it's a cricket club.' They left within a couple of minutes. It was a massively unfortunate incident."

HOW THE MIX-UP STARTED

The confusion reportedly began after a photograph of people getting off a coach was shared online. Assumptions about the identity of those arriving quickly followed, despite there being no confirmation that they were asylum seekers.

Madgwick later said the situation was driven by speculation rather than fact and acknowledged that the incident was an unfortunate reflection on Portsmouth.

"Someone online saw a group of what looked like foreign nationals leaving the coach and put a photo of it online and that's where it spurred from," he told the BBC. "It was mere speculation rather than based on truth or fact."

Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that officers spoke to the protesters and explained that their concerns were misplaced. No offences were identified, and the crowd left shortly before 9pm.

CRICKETERS CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS

The incident drew criticism from Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin, who said it was unacceptable that misinformation had resulted in young cricketers being wrongly targeted.

"There is a legitimate debate to be had about immigration, but it must be based on facts not misinformation or rumour," Martin said.

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

While the senior side battles England at Test level, the Under-19 team has been continuing its own tour. Pakistan lost a four-day match against England Under-19 by 10 runs in Arundel before responding with a 177-run victory in the Youth ODI on September 9.

- Ends