Hampshire remove Kuggeleijn from squad following public backlash

Hampshire have removed New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn from the club, a day after naming him in their 15-member squad for a County Championship fixture against Warwickshire.

His selection drew widespread backlash on social media, following which the club issued a statement on Wednesday (September 2), confirming that Kuggeleijn won’t represent the club anymore. He was supposed to join the club for their final four matches of the Championship.

“Having reflected and listened to feedback from our staff and supporters, Hampshire Cricket can confirm that Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the Club,” the statement said. “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”.

Kuggeleijn was charged with rape in 2015 and tried twice. The first one was a hung jury in 2016, and he was acquitted a year later in a second trial in 2017. A similar backlash followed in 2023, when New Zealand handed him a Test cap against England. At that time, Black Caps coach Gary Stead defended his selection of Kuggeleijn, who replaced an injured Kyle Jamieson. The 34-year-old played two more Tests – the last in 2024 – along with two ODIs and 18 T20Is.

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