Cricket South Africa (CSA) is being sued for its decision to remove David Teeger as captain before the U19 World Cup held earlier this year. The action has been taken by Citizens for Integrity, a human rights protection NGO, which lodged a complaint against CSA, claiming the reasons for Teeger’s removal were illogical.
According to News24, the complaint suggests that CSA’s decision lacked transparency and rationale, prompting legal scrutiny. The NGO believes the board’s actions were unjust and is pushing for accountability. This legal action adds to the growing concerns about governance within Cricket South Africa.
Why David Teeger was “relieved” of his captaincy
In January 2024, Cricket South Africa removed David Teeger as captain due to his pro-Israel remarks following his receipt of the Rising Star award at the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards in November 2023.
Amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine since October, Teeger’s comments were noted in SA Cric Mag, raising controversy and leading to his captaincy being revoked by the cricketing body in South Africa.
“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.”
CSA explained that they removed the young captain citing potential protests related to the ongoing war. Despite this, he was selected to play in all matches.
NGO attorney releases statement, siding with Teeger
Citizens for Integrity attorney Daniel Witz stated that Cricket South Africa neglected to safeguard David Teeger’s fundamental rights and did not adequately ensure his 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.
“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.
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