Protesters in the UK reportedly mistook members of the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team for migrants and knocked on the doors of their hotel rooms. However, the players acted responsibly and prevented the situation from escalating. According to British media reports, protesters gathered outside a hotel in Portsmouth on Tuesday evening and targeted the Pakistani cricketers.
George Madgwick, a county councillor for the Reform Party, said around 30 to 40 people had gathered outside the hotel. In a social media post urging people not to come to the hotel, Madgwick said hotel staff had provided him with evidence confirming that the guests were members of the touring Pakistan Under-19 national cricket team.
Hampshire Police confirmed the incident, saying officers arrived at the hotel after receiving a report, spoke to the protesters and explained that their concerns were unfounded. Police said they found no evidence that a crime had been committed. The protesters, who had gathered at around 6:30 pm, dispersed by 9 pm.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer Sameer Syed said a group of protesters reached the floor where the Pakistani team was staying and knocked on the players’ doors. However, the players remained calm and acted responsibly, preventing the situation from escalating.
According to Sameer Syed, the Pakistan team went on to play its scheduled match the following day. The BBC reported that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had inquired about the well-being of the Pakistan Under-19 squad and was reviewing security arrangements for the remainder of the tour. The incident occurred two days after hundreds of protesters blocked streets in the city following the arrival of around 120 migrants who had come ashore after travelling by boat. On the other hand, people have expressed concern over an incident involving members of Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team at their hotel in England.