David Teeger of South Africa during the Men’s U19 Tri-Series 3rd Youth ODI in Johannesburg. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

• The DA has called on Cricket SA to reverse its decision to remove David Teeger as national U19 captain. 
• The party is also requesting more details on what the security risks are that Cricket SA says brought about the decision. 
• Teeger, just 19 years old, has been at the centre of a storm of controversy in recent days. 
• For more, visit News24 Sport’s home page.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Cricket South Africa (CSA) to reverse its decision to strip 19-year-old David Teeger of the national captaincy ahead of this week’s U19 Cricket World Cup. 

Teeger was initially named as captain, but he was removed on Friday as CSA cited “security concerns” with protestors expected at South Africa’s matches after Teeger was flagged to CSA by the Palestine Solidarity Alliance for comments he made on 26 October at the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards.

“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,” Teeger told the SA Jewish Report on receiving his accolade in October.

Subsequently, an independent report initially cleared Teeger of any wrongdoing, but there has been a late change of heart from CSA and Juan James will now captain the side.

READ | Sports ministry denies political interference in Teeger case

The issues between Israel and Palestine are understandably complex, with South Africa also involved given that they have brought a case of genocide against Israel before the International Court of Justice at the Peace Palace in the Hague. 

It all makes Teeger’s situation very high-profile, with many cricket lovers sympathising with the former King Edward XII High School first team captain. 

The DA, meanwhile, confirmed that it has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to obtain the risk assessment report mentioned by Cricket SA.

“This report is crucial to understanding the basis on which CSA made its decision to strip Teeger of the captaincy,” it said in a statement on Monday. 

“Recent media reports indicate a lack of tangible proof regarding any threats to the team, as senior officials responsible for securing cricket events and sources within the state security agency, police and security experts have all confirmed the absence of substantial threats.

“The association must divulge who their security analysts and experts are, the basis on which the decision was made, and specifics regarding the threats received that led to the decision.”

The statement also called on CSA to “reverse” its decision on Teeger by this Friday, or else the DA would “escalate the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)”.

“The DA insists that CSA should prioritise the rule of law, protect the players’ rights to free expression, belief, conscience, and religion, and not succumb to threats or intimidation,” the statement added.

“The party warns that allowing such a precedent to stand could lead to future unjust decisions based on arbitrary criteria. The DA remains committed to defending the principles enshrined in the Bill of Rights and will take all necessary actions to ensure justice and fairness prevail in South African sports.”

South Africa’s opening match of the tournament takes place in Potchefstroom this Friday against the West Indies. 

Teeger, meanwhile, remains part of the squad.