Western Province all-rounder Juan James has been named South Africa Under-19 captain ahead of this year’s Under-19 World Cup.
James has replaced initial captain David Teeger, who was “relieved” of the role by Cricket South Africa earlier this week.
Teeger was named the Rising Star at the Jewish Achiever Awards late last year.
During his acceptance speech, he said: “Yes, I am now the rising star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel. So I’d like to dedicate this award to the South African family that married off one son while the other is still missing.
“And I’d like to dedicate it to the state of Israel and to every single soldier fighting so that we can live and thrive in the diaspora.”
Four months after the comments, CSA have decided to relieve Teeger from the captaincy for this tournament, which was originally scheduled to be hosted in Sri Lanka.
“As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” read Friday’s statement from CSA.
“We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 captain, David Teeger, and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors.
“CSA has a primary duty to safeguard the interests and safety of all those involved in the World Cup and must accordingly respect the expert advice of those responsible for the safety of participants and spectators.
“In all the circumstances, CSA has decided that David should be relieved of the captaincy for the tournament. This is in the best interests of all the players, the SA Under-19 team and David himself.
“David will remain an important and active member of the squad and we wish him and the team every success in the tournament. The newly appointed captain will be announced in due course.”
Meanwhile, South Africa Under-19 seamer Esosa Aihevba has been sidelined by a knee injury. He has been replaced in the squad by fellow seamer Tristan Luus.
South Africa have been pooled with England, Scotland and West Indies at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup.