Hampshire draws fan outrage after adding acquitted New Zealand cricketer

Hampshire County Cricket Club placed New Zealand fast-bowler Scott Kuggeleijn on its roster for the County Championship clash with Warwickshire, even though the club has not officially confirmed his overseas signing. The 34-year-old appears on the team's X list of 15 players, triggering immediate backlash from fans who described the decision as disgraceful and a new low for the side. Kuggeleijn was charged in 2015 with rape and indecent assault involving two complainants, but a hung jury in the first trial and an acquittal at a second trial left him free of conviction.

His past has repeatedly ignited protests, such as the 2019 Eden Park demonstration. After twelve seasons with Northern Districts in New Zealand, he will join Hampshire for the final four games of their campaign. The club sits at the bottom of Division One, trailing Leicestershire by 16 points, and hopes the addition can help avoid relegation, though the controversy now overshadows on-field concerns.