Hampshire make Kuggeleijn U-turn after criticism
BBC Sport
BBC Sport
Original Source
Hampshire County Cricket Club has reversed its decision to field New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn, withdrawing him from the squad less than an hour before Wednesday's match against Warwickshire following backlash from supporters and staff. The 34-year-old, who was acquitted of rape charges in 2017 after a retrial, will not play any role in the club's final four County Championship fixtures.
Hampshire have decided that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club having "listened to feedback from staff and supporters".
On Tuesday the Rose and Crown named him in their squad for a County Championship match against Warwickshire without announcing his signing on their social channels.
The signing received criticism on social media and less than an hour before the start of play on Wednesday the county said that Kuggeleijn would not play any role in their final four games.
Kuggeleijn, 34, faced a rape charge in 2015 and after a re-trial due to a hung jury he was acquitted in 2017.
It is understood that the player was in attendance at Utilita Bowl for the first day of the game on Wednesday.
"Having reflected and listened to feedback from staff and supporters Hampshire Cricket can confirm that Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club," the county said in a statement. , external
"We value the passion of our fanbase and thank everyone who took the time to share their views.
"Our focus now turns to supporting the team through the final four County Championship fixtures of the season.
"We encourage everyone to unite behind the team as we enter a crucial stage of the campaign."
Seam bowler Kuggeleijn has spent 12 years playing for Northern Districts in his home country.
He has also played three Test matches for the Black Caps as well as two one-day internationals and 18 T20s.
Hampshire currently sit bottom of Division One in the County Championships on 86 points, 16 points below Leicestershire above them.
The Rose and Crown have only won twice with the red ball this year, losing on five occasions and drawing three.
On Tuesday the Rose and Crown named him in their squad for a County Championship match against Warwickshire without announcing his signing on their social channels.
The signing received criticism on social media and less than an hour before the start of play on Wednesday the county said that Kuggeleijn would not play any role in their final four games.
Kuggeleijn, 34, faced a rape charge in 2015 and after a re-trial due to a hung jury he was acquitted in 2017.
It is understood that the player was in attendance at Utilita Bowl for the first day of the game on Wednesday.
"Having reflected and listened to feedback from staff and supporters Hampshire Cricket can confirm that Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club," the county said in a statement. , external
"We value the passion of our fanbase and thank everyone who took the time to share their views.
"Our focus now turns to supporting the team through the final four County Championship fixtures of the season.
"We encourage everyone to unite behind the team as we enter a crucial stage of the campaign."
Seam bowler Kuggeleijn has spent 12 years playing for Northern Districts in his home country.
He has also played three Test matches for the Black Caps as well as two one-day internationals and 18 T20s.
Hampshire currently sit bottom of Division One in the County Championships on 86 points, 16 points below Leicestershire above them.
The Rose and Crown have only won twice with the red ball this year, losing on five occasions and drawing three.
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Source: BBC Sport
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