Hampshire ditches New Zealand all-rounder after fan backlash

Hampshire Cricket has cancelled the contract of Kiwi international Scott Kuggeleijn minutes before he was set to take the field after backlash from supporters. The 34-year-old fast bowler was named in a social media post as part of the 15-man squad to take on Warwickshire in the County Championship match. The club had not announced the three-Test player's signing on their social channels. The presence of the New Zealand international bowler in the squad was met with furious resistance from the club's supporters and some staff members, with reaction including comments of "disgraceful" and "shameful" on social media. "Having reflected and listened to feedback from our staff and supporters, Hampshire Cricket can confirm that Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club," a statement from the club read. "We value the passion of our fanbase and thank everyone who took the time to share their views." Kuggeleijn had been signed for the final four games of Hampshire's County Championship season as a replacement for South African Delano Potgieter, who was called up for the South Africa A series against Bangladesh last month. Kuggeleijn faced a rape charge in 2015 and was acquitted in 2017 after the first trial resulted in a hung jury. The Hamilton-born player made his international debut after his acquittal in an ODI series against Ireland in Dublin in 2017. There was backlash in New Zealand when Kuggeleijn was initially selected in the squad, with then-coach Gary Stead forced to defend the call-up. In addition to his three Test matches, Kuggeleijn has played two one-day matches and 18 T20 games for the Black Caps. He has not played for New Zealand in any format since the second Test against Australia at Hagley Oval, Christchurch in March 2024, which the Aussies won by three wickets. Prior to his signing for Hampshire, Kuggeleijn was playing for the Kingsmen in a Darwin T20 league. He is a regular player in first-class cricket for Northern Districts in New Zealand.