**Title: Pakistan U19 Cricketers Mistaken for Asylum Seekers Amid Anti-Migrant Protests in the UK**
**Date: 10 September 2026**
In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team became the focus of an anti-migrant protest in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, after a group of masked demonstrators mistakenly identified the players as asylum seekers. The incident occurred on Tuesday night outside the Marriott hotel where the team was staying, leading to heightened security concerns.
Protesters gathered outside the hotel, believing that busloads of asylum seekers were being brought to the establishment. However, they were soon informed that the individuals in question were, in fact, members of Pakistan's U-19 cricket team, who are currently on tour in England.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the incident and announced that it would be reviewing the team's security arrangements for the remainder of their tour. The board has reached out to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to ensure the safety of the players.
Sumair Syed, the PCB's chief operating officer, reported to the BBC that during the protest, players experienced disturbances, including people knocking on their doors. He noted that the team handled the situation responsibly and did not escalate tensions. Despite the unsettling experience, the players proceeded to play their scheduled match the following day, which they won by a significant margin of 177 runs.
Syed described the incident as "unfortunate" but expressed confidence in the ECB's commitment to player safety. "This is the responsibility of the whole sport to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of the visiting team," he stated, emphasizing that the ECB had assured the PCB that all necessary measures would be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The protest in Portsmouth is part of a broader wave of anti-migrant demonstrations that have taken place in the region. Earlier in the week, clashes erupted between protesters and police after a dinghy carrying asylum seekers arrived in the UK. Local councillor George Madgwick, who was called to mediate the situation during the protest outside the hotel, defended the demonstrators, claiming that their actions were a reaction to the ongoing migrant crisis in the UK.
Madgwick, in a post on social media platform X, remarked that the protesters quickly dispersed once they realized their mistake. He criticized the Labour Party for not addressing the issues surrounding small boat crossings, suggesting that resolving this crisis would alleviate tensions related to migrant arrivals.
The PCB has not yet issued an official comment regarding the incident, but the organization is expected to continue discussions with the ECB to ensure the safety of its players during their tour. The cricket community has expressed solidarity with the team, highlighting the importance of providing a secure environment for athletes competing abroad.
As the situation unfolds, both the PCB and ECB are likely to take further steps to enhance security measures for international teams visiting the UK, particularly in light of the rising tensions surrounding migration and asylum policies in the country.