Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a significant change in leadership for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, set to commence on Friday, 19 January 2024.
U19 Cricket World Cup: David Teeger loses captaincy as ‘security risk’
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In a surprising move, CSA, in a statement, announced its decision to relieve David Teeger of his captaincy role amidst growing security concerns linked to pro-Palestine protests.
CSA’s decision follows advice from security experts warning of potential protests targeting Teeger at the World Cup venues.
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Much of the controversy is centred around Teeger’s acceptance speech at the 2023 ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards, where he was named the Rising Star.
In his acceptance speech, the teen cricketer used his time on the podium to cast a spotlight on ” 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,” he said at the time.
According to the CSA, intelligence received from various law enforcement sources suggests protests are expected to centre on Teeger’s captaincy, considering the irony in South Africa currently accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The CSA has stated that its primary duty is to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators at the World Cup.
“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,” the statement read.
The new captain of the U19 team will be announced shortly.
This decision comes amid recent pro-Palestine protests that have targeted cricket and other sports events in South Africa.
In Cape Town, demonstrators raised slogans against Teeger outside the Newlands Cricket Stadium, demanding his sacking for his comments supporting the Israeli Army.
