The removal of David Teeger as captain of the SA under 19 cricket team due to ‘safety concerns’ may well lead to legal action.

Die Burger reports that Cricket SA (CSA) announced Teeger’s removal on Friday, citing the risk of ‘conflict and even violence’ during the upcoming World Cup tournament.

Teeger has been in the spotlight since October when he made pro-Israel comments while receiving an award for Jewish cricketers. An inquiry led by Wim Trengove, SC, cleared Teeger of wrongdoing. The DA called on CSA to retract the decision. 

‘Should they not do so, we will be obliged to submit a formal complaint with the SA Human Rights Commission. We will also consider further steps,’ Veronica Van Dyk (DA MP) said.

The SA Jewish Board of Deputies also condemned the decision as an ‘outrageous deed of antisemitism’.

The controversy mounted after Rapport cited several sources involved with the decision and the organisation of the tournament, saying the decision had nothing to do with safety concerns and everything with politics.

According to the report, sources from within the organisational team, the police, and the State Security Agency confirmed that there was no information pointing to heightened risks if Teeger were to remain as captain.

Teeger remains part of the team. He was reportedly asked to step down voluntarily last week after Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa addressed the team.

People who attended the address say they felt as if Kodwa was addressing the Teeger situation without calling him by name.

When Teeger refused to step down, the CSA board met on Thursday and decided to strip him of the position. CSA board chairperson Lawson Naidoo denied any political motive.

‘We have accepted the previous decision by Advocate Wim Trengove.’

When asked what the safety risks were and who advised CSA of the safety risks, he said: ‘The security experts are experts in their field, and we cannot divulge the nature thereof.’

Full report in Die Burger (subscription needed)

Full report in Rapport (subscription needed)