Cricket South Africa have withdrawn David Teeger as the U19 captain of the national side due to protest risks at the 2024 Men’s U19 World Cup, set to be held in the country in January-February 2024.

What does the statement say?

Cricket South Africa have been alerted that protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict could take place during the global event. The advisory notes that protests are likely to focus on Teeger, and his position as South Africa captain, stating that “there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors”.

Based on expert advice, CSA have decided to relieve Teeger, who turned 19 on January 11, as captain, although he will still be part of the squad as a player.

South Africa were named hosts in November, after Sri Lanka Cricket, the original hosts, were suspended by the ICC due to political interference in their governance.

How is Teeger involved?

On October 22 last year, Teeger was named Rising Star at the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards ceremony. In his acceptance speech, Teeger dedicated his award to Israel.

“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,” Teeger said, as reported by South African Jewish Report, and subsequently published across South Africa media.

“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.”

As a response to the pro-Israel comments, the Palestine Solidarity Alliance filed a complaint with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee. On November 27, Cricket South Africa, in a press release, stated that they had considered the complaint, and appointed an independent enquiry to be adjudicated by Adv Wim Trengove SC to determine whether Teeger had breached either the CSA or Central Gauteng Lions Codes of Conduct.

On December 7, Teeger was cleared to continue as captain by Trengove.

“The Constitutional Court has made the point that the right to freedom of expression does not protect hate speech, but emphasized that the expression of unpopular or even offensive beliefs does not constitute hate speech,” Trengove’s findings said.

What is South Africa’s stance towards Israel?

The African National Congress, South Africa’s ruling party, has been firm in its opposition to Israel’s actions, describing it as an apartheid state and supporting a BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) campaign. Following the recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict, South Africa has accused Israel of genocide in the International Court of Justice, with that case ongoing.

According to reports in The Times Of India, Teeger was the target of chanting by pro-Palestine protesters during the New Year’s Test.

A new U19 captain has not been named yet.