Hampshire reverse decision to sign Kuggeleijn after backlash
Hampshire Cricket has decided New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not play for the club after criticism from fans and staff over his signing. Kuggeleijn faced a rape charge in 2015 but was acquitted in 2017 following a retrial.
Hampshire Cricket has announced that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club, reversing an earlier decision after receiving feedback from staff and supporters.
On Tuesday, the county named the 34-year-old in its squad for a County Championship match against Warwickshire, but did not announce the signing on its social media channels. The move drew criticism online, and less than an hour before play began on Wednesday, Hampshire confirmed Kuggeleijn would take no part in any of the team's final four fixtures this season.
Kuggeleijn faced a rape charge in 2015. Following a retrial that ended in a hung jury, he was acquitted in 2017.
It is understood the player was present at the Utilita Bowl for the first day of the match on Wednesday.
Club statement
"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. The club thanked fans for sharing their views and said its focus would now shift to supporting the team through its remaining fixtures, urging supporters to unite behind the side at a crucial stage of the season.
Kuggeleijn, a seam bowler, has spent 12 years playing for Northern Districts in New Zealand and has represented the Black Caps in three Test matches, two one-day internationals and 18 T20 games.
Hampshire currently sit bottom of Division One in the County Championship with 86 points, 16 behind Leicestershire above them. The county has won only twice with the red ball this season, losing five times and drawing three.
