SA Under-19 skipper's pro-Israeli comments to be investigated by independent enquiry, says CSA

Young batting tyro David Teeger’s comments at the ABSA Jewish Achievers Awards Ceremony on 26 October will be the subject of an independent inquiry led by seasoned legal head Advocate Wim Trengove, Cricket South Africa announced on Sunday. 

Teeger, the South Africa Under-19 captain who also leads his provincial side, Gauteng, at the same age-group level, told the South African Jewish Report last month that he dedicated his award to the Israeli soldiers engaged in the Israel/Palestine conflict that started on 7 October.

"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 said at the time.

Teeger’s comments were flagged by the Palestine Solidarity Alliance, who then laid a complaint with CSA and the Central Gauteng Lions.

READ | SA U19 skipper's pro-Israeli award comments to form part of CSA board meeting discussions

In a statement after Saturday's board meeting, CSA said they’ll appoint an independent enquiry to see whether Teeger’s comments violated CSA’s or CGL’s codes of conduct.

CSA also added in the statement that they’ll conclude the enquiry quickly as South Africa will be hosting next year’s Under-19 World Cup, and the results of the enquiry will probably be critical for Teeger’s availability.  

"The Board resolved to appoint an independent enquiry to be adjudicated by Adv Wim Trengove SC to determine whether Mr Teeger breached either the CSA or Central Gauteng Lions Codes of Conduct," the statement said.

"The enquiry will be conducted expeditiously and the decision of Adv Trengove as well as his reasons will be made public."