Hampshire release Scott Kuggeleijn a day after signing him | PC- AFP
In a massive development, Hampshire Cricket has decided to take major action against New Zealand international Scott Kuggeleijn.
In 2015, the Kiwi bowling all-rounder faced serious allegations of rape and assault but was later acquitted by a jury. Despite his acquittal, he has continued to face backlash from fans regarding the incident.
The 34-year-old, who has played three Tests, two ODIs and 18 T20Is, was signed by Hampshire for the remaining four matches of the County Championship Division 1 on Tuesday.
Hampshire release Scott Kuggeleijn after getting backlash for signing rape-acquitted cricketer
A day after signing New Zealand's Scott Kuggeleijn, Hampshire Cricket decided to release the rape-acquitted cricketer following receiving massive backlash from fans.
On Wednesday, the club made a massive decision by confirming that Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent them after accepting 'feedback' from the 'staff and supporters'.
"Having reflected and listened to feedback from our staff and supporters, Hampshire Cricket can confirm that Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the Club. We value the passion of our fanbase and thank everyone who took the time to share their views," the club said via a release.
"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," the club added.
Scott Kuggeleijn’s New Zealand career amid controversy
The bowling all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn has been a regular for Northern Districts in New Zealand's domestic circuit over the years, and made his international debut in an ODI vs Ireland in May 2017.
Although he could never consistently feature for the national team, Kuggeleijn faced major backlash during the home T20I series against India in early 2019, when fans calling out his selection held up #MeToo plaque cards from the stands at Eden Park.
That said, he played a handful of international fixtures after that incident, but he could never cement a place in the Kiwi dressing room.
Meanwhile, Kuggeleijn has even played in the IPL, featuring for CSK in 2019. Apart from that, he has also been signed by the Dubai Capitals and St Lucia Kings.
Other prominent cricketers involved in alleged serious sexual assault charges
Scott Kuggeleijn is not the first cricketer to face rape charges. Over the years, a few other prominent names have also been involved in similar controversies.
Recently, Bengal and DC's wicketkeeper Abishek Porel was sentenced jail by local court on rape charges. Yash Dayal faced legal charges related to sexual assault and exploitation allegations after a woman filed an FIR against the RCB bowler.
Nepal's Sandeep Lamichhane also faced similar charges, but was later found not guilty by the High Court in 2024. Sri Lankan Danushka Gunathilaka was arrested in Australia after a local woman alleged he had assaulted her, but he was acquitted by an Australian judicial panel a year later in 2023.
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