Cricket South Africa facing legal action over removing David Teeger as captain ahead of U19 World Cup 2024
Cricket South Africa (CSA) is facing legal action over its decision to remove David Teeger as the captain ahead of the U19 World Cup on home soil earlier this year. According to News24, human rights protection NGO Citizens for Integrity lodged a complaint against the board, citing that its reasons didn't make any sense.
In January 2024, the apex body of cricket in South Africa 'relieved' Teeger of captaincy following his pro-Israel comments after earning the Rising Star of the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards in November 2023. With Israel and Palestine involved in a war since October, Teeger was quoted as saying by SA Cric Mag:
"Yes, I’ve been given this award, and yes, I’m now the Rising Star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel."
Later, CSA cited the removal of the youngster as captain, citing threats of protests related to the war. However, he earned selection for all the matches as a player.
Citizens for Integrity attorney explains the rationale behind lodging a complaint against Cricket South Africa
Meanwhile, Citizens for Integrity attorney Daniel Witz released a statement, claiming that Cricket South Africa did not protect Teeger's basic rights and failed to take measures to ensure the youngster's safety.
"While reinstating Teeger to his former captaincy in a concluded tournament is impossible, we hope this case will result in a court declaration confirming that CSA acted irrationally and unlawfully. This would underscore the imperative to protect all rights and the freedom of speech," the statement read.
"CSA has failed to explain why a security threat was posed only if Teeger remained captain, but not if he remained a team member. Additionally, CSA did not outline any measures to protect Teeger and the team if such a threat truly existed," it added.
Witz's statement further suggested that the board's actions set a bad example for the country as a whole.
"As the hosts and organisers of the tournament, CSA had an obligation to ensure the safety of their players, yet they failed to act appropriately. CSA’s decision not only embarrassed and humiliated Teeger, infringing on his rights and affecting his career, but it also violated the rights of all South Africans," the statement continued.
South Africa, meanwhile, made it to the semi-finals of the U19 World Cup, where they lost to India.