An alleged terrorist attack caused chaos on Wednesday at the hotel where the South African cricket players are staying in London.

What was supposed to be a relaxing morning for the team, before playing in a charity game against a Master's Eleven, turned out to be chaotic with the team holed up in their hotel.

The shopping centre opposite the Buckinghamshire Hotel was evacuated in a rush on Wednesday morning after suspicious white powder, thought to be anthrax, was found in the complex.

"The entire area was cordoned off and there were police and sirens all over. Within minutes, the fire brigade was on the scene and people were running in every direction," Omar Henry, convenor of the national panel of selectors, said.

"I locked myself in my room and did not want to move around in the hotel," he added.

The players were told to stay in their rooms and could not leave on time for their scheduled match.