Image Credit- Getty
Juan James has been selected 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.
“We have been advised that protests related to
the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” CSA
had said in a statement on Friday. “We have also been advised that they
are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 (SA U19) 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.
South Africa, the hosts of the tournament, will
kickstart their campaign on January 19 against West Indies at JB Marks Oval in
Potchefstroom. They will then face England and Scotland in the group stage.