Portsmouth protest misidentifies Pakistan U19 cricket team as asylum seekers

Portsmouth police were called to a four‑star hotel on Tuesday after a crowd of masked demonstrators gathered outside, believing that a group of asylum seekers had been accommodated there. The protesters dispersed when it became clear that the guests were in fact the Pakistan under‑19 cricket team, which was on a scheduled tour of the United Kingdom. The misunderstanding prompted a brief standoff between hotel staff and the assembled activists, prompting local officials to intervene.

Reform Party councillor George Madgwick arrived at the scene and urged the demonstrators to stand down, describing the episode as “a massively unfortunate incident.” Madgwick also highlighted the England and Wales Cricket Board’s ongoing welfare checks on young players, noting that the organization’s protocols are designed to safeguard athletes in situations that could attract public scrutiny. The incident concluded without violence, and the Pakistan under‑19 team continued its itinerary as planned.