Cricket side under fire after signing player acquitted of rape, indecent assault charges | Cricket News

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Hampshire have faced a strong reaction from their own supporters after including controversial New Zealand cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn in their squad for the County Championship match against Warwickshire, despite not publicly announcing his signing.The 34-year-old was listed among Hampshire’s 15 players on X, with the county yet to officially confirm his arrival as an overseas player.Fans quickly criticised the move, with one calling it “a disgrace” and another describing it as “shameful” and “a new low for the club”.

Kuggeleijn’s controversial past

Kuggeleijn was charged in 2015 with sexual violation by rape and indecent assault involving two separate complainants. He was acquitted after a second trial, following a hung jury in the first trial.Despite the acquittal, his selection for New Zealand and domestic teams has repeatedly led to protests. In 2019, spectators at Eden Park held up posters objecting to his inclusion.Kuggeleijn has spent the past 12 years playing for Northern Districts in New Zealand and will now join Hampshire for the final four matches of their County Championship campaign.

Hampshire fighting to avoid relegation

Hampshire are currently bottom of Division One and are 16 points behind Leicestershire, whom they still have to face.With the team battling to stay in the top division, Kuggeleijn’s arrival has added controversy away from the field.His inclusion has already sparked criticism from supporters, particularly because the club did not announce his signing before naming him in the squad.