Hampshire drops Scott Kuggeleijn after public backlash over 2015 rape charge
Quick Look
- Hampshire County Cricket Club announced that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not play for the team following criticism over his 2015 rape charge and subsequent acquittal in 2017.
- The decision came after feedback from staff and supporters, less than an hour before a County Championship match against Warwickshire.
- Kuggeleijn, 34, attended the first day's play but will not feature in the remaining four games.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Scott Kuggeleijn faced a rape charge in 2015, which led to a hung jury and a retrial, resulting in his acquittal in 2017. He has played for Northern Districts in New Zealand and represented the Black Caps in three Test matches, two ODIs, and 18 T20s.
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.
"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.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Hampshire will face continued scrutiny over player recruitment policies
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Whether Hampshire will reconsider signing Kuggeleijn in the future
- If other counties have expressed interest in signing him
- How the club will address concerns about player vetting processes
