- By Manik Sharma
- Fri, 12 Jan 2024 04:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
U19 World Cup 2024: Amid the escalating crisis between Israel and Palestine, the ripples of the conflict are also being felt in the cricket world. David Teeger, captain of the South Africa Under-19 cricket team, has been relieved of his captaincy just a week before the World Cup due to concerns for his safety.
This decision comes following Teeger's public comments in support of Israeli soldiers amid the ongoing conflict with Palestine.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) anticipates protests during the Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to begin on January 19 in South Africa. There are fears that these protests could escalate to conflict or violence, prompting CSA to take preemptive measures to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators.
Despite losing the captaincy, Teeger will continue to be part of the squad as a player, and a new captain will be appointed in due course. The concerns over his appointment as captain lead to pro-Palestinian supporters picketing outside the Newlands Cricket Ground during the recent New Year's Test between South Africa and India.
Teeger's controversial remarks date back to October 22, 2023, when he dedicated an award to the soldiers of Israel during the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards ceremony.
"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. 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" Teeger had said in his acceptance speech.
Teeger assumed the captaincy in December 2023 after being cleared in an independent investigation regarding his statement supporting Israel. However, three weeks later, the Palestine Solidarity Alliance (PSA) lodged a complaint, deeming Teeger's words "provocative and inflammatory."
"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," CSA said in an official statement.
"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,” the statement added.
South Africa's ongoing global stance against Israel may have contributed to the strain on Teeger's position. Currently, the UN's International Court of Justice is hearing South Africa's case, accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.