Hampshire Cricket withdraws New Zealand player Scott Kuggeleijn from its roster after facing fan backlash. The club had named him in its squad without publicly announcing the signing, prompting criticism from supporters.
Kuggeleijn was acquitted in 2017 of rape and indecent assault charges. After the acquittal, protests had been reported in connection with his cricket selection. According to outlet reports, fans describe the club’s decision as inappropriate and expressed disappointment publicly, including calls that the move was a “disgrace” and “shameful.”
In response, Hampshire confirms that Kuggeleijn will no longer represent the club. The club also points to its immediate sporting priorities, saying it currently sits at the bottom of the County Championship and is focused on maintaining its Division One status. The outlets collectively frame the development as a direct reaction to supporter pressure rather than a change in the legal outcome.
