SAJBD cites very serious global implications after David Teeger stripped of captaincy
David Teeger was last week relieved of his captaincy for the Under-19s by Cricket South Africa due to security threats posed to him and his teammates after he made a pro-Israeli comment at a Jewish award ceremony.
South Africa's under-19 cricketer David Teeger. Picture: Supplied/Old Edwardian Society on X
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) says Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) decision to relieve David Teeger of his captaincy for the under-19s has global implications.
On Tuesday, CSA invited the board to meet and discuss their decision to relieve Teeger of his captaincy, just days before South Africa hosts the Under-19 World Cup.
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CSA made the announcement regarding Teeger last week, citing security threats posed to him and his teammates ahead of the tournament.
This followed a pro-Israeli comment Teeger made at a Jewish awards ceremony, where he dedicated his award to soldiers fighting in Israel.
SAJBD’s president Zev Krengel said there was no substantial evidence to suggest the life of Teeger or any of his teammates were at risk.
“They moved to say it’s actually the security for a lot of children who they are bussing into these games, and they're worried if there’s protesters and a rubber bullet hits one of the children, it might kill the child and because of that they had to strip David of his captaincy.”
SAJBD national chairperson Professor Karen Milner said CSA’s claims of security threats were trumped up.
“I think the implications of this decision around the world are very serious. If people accept that any threat can be made, and as a result of that threat, suddenly Jewish players can’t be part of that team.”