South Africa’s demotion of captain is just not cricket

World cricket is one of the last places you’d expect to see infected with the disturbing rise of antisemitism. But South Africa, host nation of this year’s under-19 men’s cricket World Cup, has just stood down the captain of its team David Teeger.

The reason given? Not because of Teeger’s cricketing ability, or doubts about his leadership skills. But simply because Teeger is Jewish.

Cricket South Africa claims that they cannot ensure Teeger’s safety, or the safety of the tournament, if he is allowed to lead the South African team on to the field.

If this is indeed true, it is incumbent on South Africa to share with other participating nations the security assessment they have relied upon.

Will it be safe for other teams to play? Can they guarantee the safety of all participants, or only the nonJewish ones? Is the Australian U19 men’s side likely to be targeted for any reason?

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade should be urgently summoning South Africa’s High Commissioner for an explanation.

The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance lodged a complaint with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee some weeks ago, arguing Teeger was not fit to captain the team. South Africa’s Sports Minister reportedly called in the team for a chat last week. Teeger was demoted a few days later, but will still be allowed to play in the tournament.

If Teeger is at risk, why is he still allowed to play? Why have other nations not been warned?

The real reason behind Teeger’s sacking seems to be the fact that he is Jewish (never mind the fact that he is a South African citizen.

South Africa recently commenced legal action against Israel in the International Court of Justice, accusing it of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Israel was attacked, unprovoked, by Hamas terrorists on October 7. It has since been exercising its right to self-defence, seeking to dismantle Hamas. It is Hamas that should be brought before the world’s court on charges of genocide, as its stated policy and aim is to exterminate the Jewish population of Israel.

Australia has been silent on South Africa’s action before the International Court of Justice.

The US, Canada, the UK and Germany have all publicly opposed South Africa’s stunt, describing it as without merit.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will be in Israel this week. She should at least make clear that Australia opposes South Africa’s attempt to put Israel in the dock on sham charges.

Wong should also speak to her South African counterpart and ask if there are genuine security concerns about the tournament.