South Africa U19 skipper removed for his pro-Israeli comments

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has decided to relieve David Teeger from captaincy ahead of the U19 World Cup 2024 at home. The decision has been made keeping the security of the player in mind. Apparently, in the last month or so, his pro-Israeli statements made in 2022 went viral on social media at a time when the Israel-Palestine conflict is at an all-time high.

Back in October 2022, he negatively came into the limelight for his comments that have angered the pro-Palestine protestors in the rainbow nation. While receiving the ‘Rising Star’ award at the Jewish Achiever Awards, he went on to say, “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.”

South Africa U19 removed captain to avoid violence: Cricket South Africa 

In a statement released by the CSA, Teeger has been removed from the team to avoid the clash and violence among the Palestine or Israeli support groups.

“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.

“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.