PSA submits application for peaceful protest during opening match of 2024 U19 World Cup in wake of David Teeger's comments
The Palestine Solidarity Alliance (PSA) has demanded an apology from South Africa's junior team captain David Teeger after he expressed his support for the Israel army. Additionally, the PSA has submitted an application for holding a peaceful protest ahead of the opening game of the U19 World Cup 2024.
The right-hander was relieved of South Africa captaincy, a week before the tournament due to safety concerns following his comments in favor of the Israel army.
Two weeks after the conflict between Hamas and Israel began in the Gaza Strip, the teen cricketer was named the Rising Star at the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards ceremony. In his acceptance speech, he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo:
"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."
CSA held an inquiry to determine whether the 19-year-old had violated any guidelines with his comments before clearing him to captain in the tournament.
"Until Teeger apologizes, we’re not happy" - PSA coordinator
PSA's Naazim Adams stated that Teeger must apologize for his comments and labeled CSA as disingenuous. He told News 24 on Friday (January 12):
"Has David accepted that he’s done wrong and inflamed the cricket-loving community and that his actions have been divisive? Has CSA not recognized that David has brought the game into disrepute? Until Teeger apologizes, we’re not happy. CSA are the real culprits here and they’re being disingenuous by dropping him as captain because of threats.”
The tournament will begin with South Africa facing the West Indies in Potchefstroom on January 19.