U-19 World Cup: South Africa relieves captain David Teeger amid threat of protests

Host South Africa has stripped skipper David Teeger of the captaincy for the Under-19 Cricket World Cup amid fears he could possibly be a goal for anti-war protesters, however he’ll stay a part of the squad, officers confirmed on Friday.

Teeger was cleared of wrong-doing by an impartial inquiry established by Cricket South Africa (CSA) final month following feedback he made in assist of Israeli troopers at an awards ceremony in October.

The teenager was recognised on the Jewish Achiever Awards and mentioned: “I’m now the rising star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel. And I’d like to dedicate it to the state of Israel and every single soldier fighting so that we can live and thrive in the diaspora.”

The feedback drew the ire of the Palestine Solidarity Alliance (PSA), who lodged a criticism with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC).

Teeger was cleared by the inquiry, however his demotion comes because the South African authorities has levelled an accusation of genocide in opposition to Israel on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and CSA say it fears conserving the 19-year-old as captain might inflame tensions in the course of the event.

“We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” CSA mentioned in a press release on Friday.

“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.

“In 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 confirmed that Teeger stays part of the squad for the Jan. 19-Feb. 11 occasion.

“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,” the assertion concluded.