Pakistan U-19 Cricket Team Mistaken for Asylum Seekers in England

Sep 10, 2026

63 min

Sep 10, 2026 09:30

Pakistan U-19 Cricket Team mistaken for asylum seekers in England

## Mistaken Identity Incident

The Pakistan Under-19 cricket team faced an unusual situation in Portsmouth, England, when they were mistakenly identified as asylum seekers. The confusion arose when a group of protesters gathered outside the Marriott Hotel, where the team was staying during their England tour.

## Protesters Misled

Reports indicated that the protesters were reacting to the arrival of around 40 men who "did not appear to be English." The misunderstanding was cleared up after George Madgwick, a local councillor, spoke with the team’s coach and informed the protesters that the group was actually a cricket team.

## Quick Resolution

Madgwick addressed the protesters, clarifying the situation, which led to the crowd dispersing within minutes. He noted that local tensions were already heightened prior to the incident.

## Cricket Tour Continues

The Pakistan U-19 team is on a tour in England, having recently played matches against the England U-19 team. They lost a four-day match in Arundel but won a Youth ODI by 177 runs. Meanwhile, Pakistan's senior team is also in England for a Test match at Edgbaston.

## Security Review

Following the incident, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been in contact with Pakistan's management to review security measures for the team.

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