_x000D_Screenshot: The SA Jewish Report (youtube.com)

Why was David Teeger, a South African cricketer, removed from his captaincy role days before the Under-19 World Cup?

In a twist that rivals any cricket match’s final over, David Teeger was bowled out of his captaincy role just days before the Under-19 World Cup in January 2024. The curveball? Cricket South Africa (CSA) removed him, citing security concerns. This decision spun out after Teeger, during an award acceptance in October, dedicated his accolade “to the state of Israel and every single soldier fighting so that we can live and thrive in the diaspora.” Despite an independent inquiry by CSA in November, which cleared him of any code of conduct breach and championed the right to freedom of expression, CSA still decided to drop him as captain due to fears of potential protests at the World Cup, given his comments. It’s a reminder that sometimes, in sports, the most significant plays happen away from the field!