Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:16pm on 10 Sep 2026,Thursday Sports
Pakistan’s U-19 cricket team was mistakenly identified as asylum seekers by protesters outside the Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth, where the squad is staying for a four-match youth ODI series in England. Around 30-40 people gathered after rumours spread that foreign nationals had arrived at the hotel. Police intervened and explained that the group was Pakistan’s youth cricket team. The situation was calmed after Reform councillor George Madgwick contacted the hotel and spoke with Pakistan’s head coach. Madgwick then informed protesters they had mistaken the group, calling the episode unfortunate. The crowd left within minutes and the incident ended peacefully, after the misunderstanding was cleared. The misunderstanding cleared quickly, ending the protest. (PC: X)
