South Africa Under-19 captain David Tiger lost the captaincy for supporting Israel. The South African Cricket Board took this decision just a week before the U-19 World Cup. However, Cricket South Africa has not yet announced who will be the new captain of the Proteas in the Junior World Cup.
Earlier, Tigger spoke on behalf of the Israeli army at an awards ceremony in October 2023. There he referred to Israeli fighters as ‘real heroes’. After winning the Rising Star title at the Achiever Awards at the event, he dedicated it to the Israeli soldiers.
Taking the award in hand, he said, ‘The more important thing is, yes I got this award and now I am a rising star. But the real rising stars are Israel’s young soldiers. So I dedicate this award to the South African family who married them and are still missing. I dedicate this to the State of Israel and to every soldier who is fighting to keep us alive.’
Tigar’s comments on behalf of the Israeli army quickly went viral. The Palestine Solidarity Alliance (PSA) filed a formal complaint with the South African Sports Confederation and the Olympic Committee when the news was reported in all the country’s media. Following the allegations, the Proteas Cricket Board (CSA) and Tiger’s other clubs have apologized to them.
South Africa’s Palestinian supporters were outraged after Tiger was given the captaincy of the youth World Cup team starting on January 19. They also protested at the main gate of the Newlands Stadium during the Test between South Africa and India in the New Year. Which is international media news. Tiger was removed from the captaincy as the situation could escalate.
In a statement on Friday, the Cricket Board said, ‘Taking into account all the circumstances, the CSA has decided that David Tiger should be relieved of the captaincy of the tournament. This decision is in the interest of all the players, the South Africa Under-19 team and David. David will continue to be an important and active member of the squad. We wish him and the team the best of luck. The new captain will be selected soon.
It should be noted that South Africa filed a war crime and genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The country has boycotted Israel in sympathy with the victims of Gaza and in support of the demand for Palestinian independence.
