- David Teeger removed as South Africa U-19 captain a week before the World Cup due to safety concerns over his comments supporting Israeli soldiers.
- Cricket South Africa anticipates protests at all U-19 World Cup venues, expressing concerns about potential conflicts or violence.
- Despite Teeger being cleared by independent adjudication, the Palestinian Solidarity Alliance questions his fitness to lead the team, calling for his suspension.
David Teeger, captain of the South Africa Under-19 cricket team, has been relieved of his captaincy position just a week before the U-19 World Cup, citing safety concerns. This decision stems from Teeger’s comments expressing support for Israeli soldiers involved in the conflict with Palestine.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) anticipates potential protests during the upcoming U-19 World Cup, expressing concerns about the possibility of conflicts or violence between rival groups of protestors. The decision to remove Teeger as captain was framed as being “in the best interests of all the players, the SA U-19 team, and David himself,” according to CSA. Despite the removal from captaincy, Teeger will continue as a player, with the announcement of a new captain expected later.
“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.”
CSA expects protests at all U-19 World Cup venues, including Potchefstroom, Benoni, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and East London. It was also seen during the India vs South Africa test at Newlands.
The decision to remove him as a captain follows Teeger’s dedication of an award to Israeli soldiers at the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards in October 2023, which stirred controversy and led to protests during the New Year’s Test between South Africa and India.
What did South Africa Under-19 captain say?
The young player had said,
“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.”
Teeger’s comments were widely reported in the South African Jewish Report and across national media. The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA) lodged an official complaint with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee regarding Teeger’s remarks.
Despite an independent adjudication clearing Teeger of any unbecoming conduct, the PSA continues to question his fitness to represent a diverse South African team, calling for his suspension from the U-19 World Cup squad.
This development occurs against the backdrop of surging pro-Palestinian sentiment in South Africa, especially following the country’s decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice. The U-19 World Cup is now poised to proceed with a changed leadership dynamic, navigating a delicate balance between sportsmanship, freedom of expression, and heightened geopolitical sensitivities.
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