Hampshire Cricket have confirmed that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn won’t characterize the membership, following robust criticism from supporters over his inclusion within the squad for the County Championship. The 34-year-old was named in Hampshire’s 15-member squad on X forward of their match in opposition to Warwickshire, though the county had not formally introduced his arrival as an abroad participant on the time.The transfer sparked a right away backlash from followers, with supporters describing the choice as “a shame”, “shameful” and “a brand new low for the membership”.
Hampshire responds to fan criticism
Following the backlash, Hampshire issued a press release on X confirming that Kuggeleijn wouldn’t characterize the membership.“Having mirrored and listened to suggestions from our workers and supporters, Hampshire Cricket can verify that Scott Kuggeleijn won’t characterize the Membership, We worth the eagerness of our fanbase and thank everybody who took the time to share their view. Our focus now turns to supporting the crew by the ultimate 4 County Championship fixtures of the season. We encourage everybody to unite behind the crew as we enter an important stage of the marketing campaign,” the membership mentioned.
Kuggeleijn’s controversial previous
Kuggeleijn was charged in 2015 with sexual violation by rape and indecent assault involving two separate complainants. He was acquitted after a second trial, having beforehand confronted a hung jury within the first trial. Regardless of his acquittal, Kuggeleijn’s choice for New Zealand and home groups has beforehand prompted protests. In 2019, spectators at Eden Park displayed posters objecting to his inclusion within the New Zealand facet.
Hampshire languish at backside
In the meantime, Hampshire are presently tenth and backside of the Division One desk within the 2026 Rothesay County Championship, with their hopes of avoiding relegation hanging by a thread. Ben Brown’s facet have collected 86 factors from 10 matches, leaving them 16 factors behind ninth-placed Leicestershire and 19 factors adrift of Surrey in eighth, the place that presently represents the protection line.Hampshire’s place comes after their rain-affected draw in opposition to Glamorgan, with solely 4 County Championship fixtures remaining of their marketing campaign. They now face Warwickshire on the Utilita Bowl of their subsequent red-ball fixture as they start an important closing push to protect their Division One standing.
