New Zealand cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn dumped by Hampshire after fan backlash
Hampshire Cricket cancelled the contract of New Zealand cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn shortly before his debut following intense backlash from fans and staff. The decision was made due to controversy surrounding his 2017 acquittal on rape charges.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing influence of fan sentiment and social accountability in professional sports recruitment decisions.
Scott Kuggeleijn has played three Tests for New Zealand. ( Getty Images: Hagen Hopkins )
Hampshire made the decision to drop New Zealand all rounder Scott Kuggeleijn an hour before he was due to make his debut for the club.
Hampshire said it had "listened to feedback" when making the decision.
Kuggeleijn, who was acquitted of rape in 2017, has played 23 times for New Zealand across all formats.
Link copied Share Share article 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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in