Overview
- On Tuesday evening a crowd of about 30–40 people, many wearing face coverings, assembled outside the Marriott in Cosham after online posts and a circulated photo suggested migrants had arrived by coach.
- Reform councillor George Madgwick went to the hotel, confirmed with staff and the team coach that the guests were Pakistan’s Under‑19 squad, then told the crowd “you’ve got it wrong guys, it’s a cricket club,” and the protesters dispersed within minutes.
- Hampshire Police attended, said officers explained that concerns were incorrect, identified no offences and recorded that the crowd left by about 9pm.
- Pakistan Cricket Board officials reported people had been knocking on players’ doors but said the squad did not escalate the situation and went on to win the scheduled Youth ODI the next day; the England and Wales Cricket Board has contacted the PCB and is reviewing security for the rest of the tour.
- The mix‑up highlights how local anger over recent small‑boat arrivals and the use of a coach operator linked to asylum transfers can turn online rumours into real‑world risks for visiting teams and minority groups, and it may prompt tighter transport and hotel security checks during future tours.