Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Hampshire Withdraws Scott Kuggeleijn Signing After Fan Protests
Hampshire Cricket had planned to use New Zealand cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn in its remaining matches.
Fans and some staff strongly objected to the decision because of a past rape charge against him.
Kuggeleijn was acquitted in 2017 after a second trial.
An earlier jury had not reached a verdict.
The club listened to the complaints and decided he would not play.
Hampshire announced the change just before a match against Warwickshire.
The team is currently at the bottom of its division and has four games left.
Kuggeleijn previously played for Chennai Super Kings in two Indian Premier League matches.
Hampshire withdrew Scott Kuggeleijn from its squad on September 2, 2026, after protests from staff and supporters.
The New Zealand all-rounder faced a 2015 rape charge and was acquitted in 2017 after a retrial followed an earlier hung jury.
The club reversed its decision shortly before its County Championship match against Warwickshire.
Kuggeleijn’s selection has previously prompted protests despite his continued involvement in international and domestic cricket.
The withdrawal leaves Hampshire without an overseas recruit as it battles relegation with four matches remaining.
- Who
- Hampshire Cricket and New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn, following objections from Hampshire staff and supporters.
- What
- Hampshire withdrew Kuggeleijn from its squad and confirmed he would not represent the club.
- When
- September 2, 2026, shortly before Hampshire’s match against Warwickshire.
- Where
- Hampshire’s County Championship match at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, England.
- Why
- The club said it acted after considering strong feedback and protests from staff and supporters concerning Kuggeleijn’s past rape charge.
Supporters and Critics
Club and Acquittal Context
Whether he should represent Hampshire
Supporters and Critics
Supporters and critics argued that Hampshire should not select Kuggeleijn, with protests describing the signing as unacceptable and shameful.
Club and Acquittal Context
Hampshire initially included Kuggeleijn to strengthen its seam-bowling options for the end of the season, but later withdrew him after reviewing staff and supporter feedback.
Significance of the legal case
Supporters and Critics
Critics continued to object to Kuggeleijn’s involvement in cricket because of the 2015 rape charge and the controversy surrounding his selection.
Club and Acquittal Context
Kuggeleijn was acquitted in 2017 after a retrial, following an earlier jury’s failure to reach a verdict.
Impact on Hampshire
Supporters and Critics
The withdrawal responded to public and internal opposition before Kuggeleijn could appear for the club.
Club and Acquittal Context
The decision leaves Hampshire without an overseas recruit during a relegation fight, with four matches remaining.
- Player
- Scott Kuggeleijn, a 34-year-old New Zealand seam-bowling all-rounder.
- Past legal case
- Kuggeleijn faced a rape charge linked to a 2015 incident and was acquitted in 2017 after a retrial.
- Hampshire decision
- The club withdrew him before he played for the team.
- Announcement timing
- Hampshire issued its statement about five minutes before play began against Warwickshire.
- League position
- Hampshire was bottom of County Championship Division One and 16 points behind Leicestershire.
- Remaining matches
- Hampshire had four County Championship fixtures left.
- Previous IPL team
- Kuggeleijn played two matches for Chennai Super Kings in 2019 as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi.
