Daijiworld Media Network – Portsmouth

Portsmouth, Sep 10: The Pakistan Under-19 cricket team faced an unusual controversy in Portsmouth after a group of protesters gathered outside their hotel, reportedly mistaking the visiting players for asylum seekers.

The Pakistan U-19 team was staying at the Marriott Hotel when the group assembled outside the property. The situation was resolved after it was confirmed that the group inside the hotel was the Pakistan cricket team.

Reform councillor George Madgwick contacted the hotel and spoke to members of the Pakistan team before addressing the protesters outside.

“I spoke to the coach of the team, who was very understanding. I went out to the protesters and told them, ‘You’ve got it wrong guys, it’s a cricket club.’ They left within a couple of minutes. It was a massively unfortunate incident,” Madgwick told The Guardian.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has contacted Pakistan’s team management following the incident and is reviewing the security arrangements surrounding the visiting side.

The Pakistan Under-19 team is currently in England for a series against the hosts. The visitors suffered a narrow 10-run defeat against England Under-19 in a four-day Youth Test played from September 2 to 5 in Arundel.

Pakistan bounced back in the first Youth ODI on September 9, defeating England U-19 by a commanding 177 runs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s senior team is also in England for its Test series. The visitors lost the first two Tests, while in the third Test at Edgbaston, Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in their first innings.

Following the second Test at Lord’s, Pakistan made seven changes to their squad and also sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. However, their batting struggles continued, with England holding a 23-run lead after the opening day while losing four wickets.