Masked Protesters Arrive Outside Pakistan U-19 Team’s Hotel in England, Mistake Cricketers for Refugees

Portsmouth (England): While Pakistan’s senior national team is already going through a difficult time in the Test series in England, the country’s U-19 cricketers have also had an unpleasant experience. According to a report in a leading English daily, a large group of around 30 to 40 people gathered outside the hotel in Portsmouth where the Pakistan U-19 team was staying on the evening of Tuesday, September 8, raising concerns over the safety of the young players. The group was protesting against refugees living in England.

The Pakistan teenage cricketers were staying at the Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth. A rumour had circulated that some foreign nationals had arrived at the hotel. Following the rumour, a large number of people gathered outside the property. What made the situation more concerning was that some of them were wearing masks. The police were immediately informed, and officers arrived at the hotel and confirmed that the foreign nationals staying there were none other than members of Pakistan’s U-19 cricket team.

After speaking with the hotel authorities, police officers informed the crowd outside that they had been given incorrect information. The officers explained, “The young people staying at the hotel are not refugees. They are members of Pakistan’s U-19 team, including players, coaches and officials.” Once the protesters learned the truth, the crowd dispersed within just two minutes and moved away from the hotel.

A photograph had gone viral on social media showing a large group of people. Someone had also informed the media that these people were staying at the Marriott Hotel. Believing them to be refugees who were looking to settle somewhere in England, the protesters, wearing masks, arrived outside the hotel to stage a demonstration.

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Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board contacted the police authorities regarding the safety of the Pakistan U-19 players staying at the hotel and requested that necessary precautions be taken to ensure that the young cricketers did not face any trouble.

Since arriving in England, Pakistan’s U-19 players have lost a four-day match against England U-19. However, they bounced back in the subsequent Youth ODI, defeating England U-19 by 177 runs.