Story perspectives

Crowd Disperses After Marriott Guests Clarified as Pakistan U19 Team

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 8:49 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Around 40-50 people gathered outside the Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth, believing migrants were staying there.
Local officials confirmed the guests were the Pakistan under-19 cricket team.
The crowd dispersed within minutes after clarification.
Hampshire Police reported no offences during the incident.
Pakistan Cricket Board COO Sumair Syed said the players stayed calm and played their match the next day.

History

Historical Context

In October 2005, false rumors of an illegal-immigrant rape sparked the Birmingham riots, where West Midlands Police recorded about 80 offences and dozens of injuries. The recent misunderstanding at Portsmouth’s Marriott, where onlookers mistook the Pakistan under-19 cricket team for migrants, echoes that pattern, prompting police to stress clear communication.

1 of 2

Story summary

Around 40-50 people gathered outside the Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth, believing migrants were staying there.
Local officials confirmed the guests were the Pakistan under-19 cricket team.
The crowd dispersed within minutes after clarification.
Hampshire Police reported no offences during the incident.
Pakistan Cricket Board COO Sumair Syed said the players stayed calm and played their match the next day.

1 / 2