Juan James has been selected as South Africa’s captain for the 2018 Under-19 World Cup, Cricket South Africa announced on Sunday. After David Teeger was relieved of his duties due to protests over his pro-Israeli remarks at a recent award presentation, the 19-year-old Western Province all-rounder will assume the position.
In July of last year, James led the South African U-19 team in the third and fifth matches of their 50-over series against Bangladesh, where they had previously played five matches.
“CSA has been informed that protests regarding the Gaza conflict may be expected at the tournament locations,” the organization stated in a statement on Friday. We’ve also been informed that there’s a chance they could spark unrest or even violence, especially amongst opposing protestor groups, and that they will probably center on David Teeger, the captain of the South African Under-19 team.
“CSA must respect the professional recommendations of those in charge of participant and spectator safety as it is their primary responsibility to protect the interests and safety of everyone involved in the World Cup.
The tournament’s hosts, South Africa, will play their opening match at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on January 19 against the West Indies. In the group stage, they will then play Scotland and England.