Hampshire Cricket Club is facing significant backlash from its own supporters following the inclusion of controversial former New Zealand cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn in the squad for their County Championship match against Warwickshire. The controversy intensified as the club named Kuggeleijn, 34, in the 15-man list posted on X without a prior announcement of his signing as an overseas player, a departure from usual practice.
Fans voiced their strong disapproval on social media platforms, with one supporter calling the decision "a disgrace" and another labeling it "shameful" and "a new low for the club" due to the player's history. Kuggeleijn was charged in 2015 with sexual violation by rape and indecent assault involving two separate complainants. He was acquitted after a second trial, as the first resulted in a hung jury. Despite the acquittal, his selection for national and domestic teams in New Zealand has repeatedly led to public protests.
In 2019, spectators at an Eden Park game held up posters protesting his inclusion. Kuggeleijn has spent 12 years playing for Northern Districts in New Zealand and joins Hampshire for the final four matches of the County Championship season. Hampshire is currently at the bottom of Division One, trailing Leicestershire by 16 points, with matches still to be played between the two teams.