Anti-migrant protesters in England mistakenly target Pakistan cricket team
Masked protesters in Portsmouth gathered outside a hotel where Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team was staying, believing they were asylum seekers. The England and Wales Cricket Board is reviewing security for the team's remaining tour after the incident. The team continued with their scheduled match the next day and won by 177 runs.
The incident took place at a Marriott hotel in Portsmouth, where masked individuals reportedly knocked on doors before realizing the guests were the touring cricket squad. The Pakistan Cricket Board's chief operating officer noted the players remained calm and avoided confrontation, allowing the match to proceed as scheduled the next day.
This protest followed a separate weekend clash in the same city, where hundreds of demonstrators confronted police after a migrant boat arrived. A local Reform councillor who helped mediate the hotel mix-up publicly downplayed the event, attributing the unrest to broader frustrations over border control policies.
This mix-up could heighten concerns about the safety of international sports teams visiting the UK, potentially affecting future tour schedules and hosting decisions. It may also deepen public scrutiny of anti-migrant demonstrations, as mistaken targets highlight the unpredictable nature of such protests. Local communities and hotel staff could face increased anxiety, while cricket authorities may need to implement stricter security protocols to reassure visiting delegations.