DA calls on Cricket SA to reveal security threats, reverse Teeger captaincy decision

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Cricket South Africa (CSA) to reverse its decision to strip 19-year-old David Teeger of the national captaincy ahead of this week's U19 Cricket World Cup. 

Teeger was initially named as captain, but he was removed on Friday as CSA cited "security concerns" with protestors expected at South Africa's matches after Teeger was flagged to CSA by the Palestine Solidarity Alliance for comments he made on 26 October at the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards.

"Yes, I've been [given] this award, and, yes, I'm now the Rising Star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel," Teeger told the SA Jewish Report on receiving his accolade in October.

Subsequently, an independent report initially cleared Teeger of any wrongdoing, but there has been a late change of heart from CSA and Juan James will now captain the side.

READ | Sports ministry denies political interference in Teeger case

The issues between Israel and Palestine are understandably complex, with South Africa also involved given that they have brought a case of genocide against Israel before the International Court of Justice at the Peace Palace in the Hague. 

It all makes Teeger's situation very high-profile, with many cricket lovers sympathising with the former King Edward XII High School first team captain. 

The DA, meanwhile, confirmed that it has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to obtain the risk assessment report mentioned by Cricket SA.

"This report is crucial to understanding the basis on which CSA made its decision to strip Teeger of the captaincy," it said in a statement on Monday. 

"Recent media reports indicate a lack of tangible proof regarding any threats to the team, as senior