Hampshire terminates Kuggeleijn contract after fan backlash
English cricket club Hampshire cancelled its contract with New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn shortly before his debut in a County Championship match against Warwickshire. The decision was made after a negative reaction from fans and some club staff to the athlete’s inclusion in the squad.
As ABC News Australia reports, the 34-year-old fast bowler was included in the 15-player squad for the match. At the same time, the club did not announce Kuggeleijn’s signing on its social media. After his name appeared in the squad, critical comments appeared on social media, including the words “disgraceful” and “shameful.”
Club statement
Hampshire said it had reviewed the situation and taken into account feedback from staff and fans, after which it confirmed that Kuggeleijn would not represent the club. The club also thanked fans for expressing their views and said it valued their loyalty.
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Contract and player’s career
Kuggeleijn was brought in for the final four matches of the County Championship season as a replacement for South African Delano Potgieter, who was called up to the South Africa A team last month for the series against Bangladesh.
In 2015, Kuggeleijn was charged with rape. In 2017, he was acquitted after the first trial ended without a jury verdict. Following his acquittal, he made his New Zealand debut in an ODI series against Ireland in Dublin.
For the national team, Kuggeleijn played three Test matches, two ODI matches and 18 Twenty20 matches. He last played for New Zealand in March 2024, in the second Test against Australia in Christchurch, which Australia won by three wickets.
