David Teeger stripped of SA U19 captaincy over pro-Israeli stance

South Africa is set to host the U19 Cricket World Cup starting next week, but controversy has already reared its ugly head following the demotion of Teeger as captain of the SA team.

As per CSA’s official statement on the matter, Teeger was stood down as SA U19 captain for safety and security measures due to organisers anticipating protests at the tournament.

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Last year, Teeger caused a furor when he dedicated an award he had won to the soldiers in Israel.

Teeger said at the Absa Jewish Achiever Rising Star awards in October: “Yes, I’ve been (given) this award, and, yes, I’m 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.”

Several parties lodged complaints over his comments, and he was subsequently subject to an enquiry. But it was later cleared as it was determined that he hadn’t breached CSA’s code of conduct because the remarks were made in his personal capacity to a Jewish audience, which was unrelated to cricket.

Now, nearly three months later, CSA says fear of in-tournament protests against Teeger has led to the decision to relieve him of the captaincy for his own safety and that of his teammates and all the other participating teams and nations.

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA’S STATEMENT ON DAVID TEEGER

“Cricket South Africa (CSA) is honoured to have been named by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as hosts of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, which commences on 19 January. This decision was only taken in November last year after the original hosts, Sri Lanka, were suspended by the ICC, leaving us with little time to make all the necessary preparations.

“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.

“We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 (SA U19) 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.

“David will remain an important and active member of the squad, and we wish him and the team every success in the tournament. The newly appointed captain will be announced in due course.”