'Shameful Moral Cowardice': Piers Morgan Slams CSA for Sacking David Teeger as U-19 Captain Over Pro-Israel Comments

Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) decision to remove David Teeger as the captain of the Under-19 team has sparked an intense debate. The 19-year-old suffered the consequences of making pro-Israel comments last year, lending support to the Israeli soldiers in the battle with Palestine. Sensing a possible risk of ‘conflict’, the CSA sacked Teeger from his post ahead of the ICC Under-19 World Cup but kept him in the squad.

The move has left people divided in opinion with renowned TV presenter Piers Morgan harshly criticizing CSA. Taking to his official X handle, Morgan questioned if the South African cricket board sacked Teeger for being Jewish.

“WTF!? Have they sacked him because he’s Jewish? This is shameful moral cowardice by Cricket South Africa,” wrote Morgan.

The replacement will be announced in due course. Teeger, who has impressed at junior level, scoring 159 runs for South Africa Emerging in the CSA Provincial Challenge Division Two recently, will remain part of the squad and contest in the tournament.

“The decision to remove Teeger as captain, was taken in the best interests of all the players, the SA U-19 team and David himself,” CSA said in a statement. “He will continue to remain with the squad as a player and a new captain will be named “in due course”.

“As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” CSA said in a statement. “We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 captain, David Teeger and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors.

The 15th edition tournament will begin on January 19, with South Africa taking on West Indies in their opening encounter.

The crux of the issue lies in Teeger’s remarks during the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards ceremony on October 22, 2023. In his acceptance speech, Teeger dedicated the Rising Star award to Israeli soldiers, stating, “The true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel.”

His comments were reported in the South African Jewish Report and subsequently widely circulated in the country.

The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA) officially complained to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, triggering responses from CSA, Lions (Teeger’s domestic union), cricket clubs, a concerned supporter, the Abu Asvat Institute of National Building, and a sponsoring company director.