Cricket South Africa has removed David Teeger from captaincy for the U-19 squad which is set to play in the upcoming Men’s U-19 World Cup 2024.
David Teeger removed from South Africa Captaincy
David Teeger was removed from captaincy a week before the World Cup as his safety concerns were at stake following his comments in support of Israeli soldiers in the ongoing conflict with Palestine.
Cricket South Africa is bracing for protests at the tournament which is set to begin on January 19 and said there was a risk that they could “result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors.”
“As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” CSA said in a statement.
“We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 captain, David Teeger and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors.
“CSA has a primary duty to safeguard the interests and safety of all those involved in the World Cup and must accordingly respect the expert advice of those responsible for the safety of participants and spectators.
“In all the circumstances, CSA has decided that David should be relieved of the captaincy for the tournament. This is in the best interests of all the players, the SA U19 team, and David himself.”
There might be a relation between the incident and Teeger’s appointment as South Africa’s U-19 captain at a cricket match in the country.
“But more importantly, yes, I’ve been awarded this award, and yes, I am now the rising star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel…
So I’d like to dedicate this award to the South African family that married off one son whilst the other is still missing. And I’d like to dedicate it to the state of Israel and to every single soldier fighting so that we can live and thrive in the diaspora.”
South Africa will be playing their first match in the U-19 Men’s World Cup against West Indies on January 19 at Senwes Park.
