{
  "id": 5074678,
  "title": "Hampshire make Kuggeleijn U-turn after criticism",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/hampshire-make-kuggeleijn-u-turn-after-criticism",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T11:25:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hampshire-kuggeleijn-u-turn-criticism-112515854.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hampshire Cricket have announced that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not play in their final four County Championship matches, following feedback from staff and supporters. The decision came after the club initially included Kuggeleijn in their squad for a match against Warwickshire. Kuggeleijn, 34, faced a rape charge in 2015, which was later dropped after a re-trial and an acquittal in 2017. The Hampshire Cricket statement emphasized the club's appreciation for the fanbase's support and their commitment to the final fixtures of the season. Kuggeleijn, who has spent 12 years with Northern Districts, has represented the Black Caps in three Test matches and two one-day internationals. Currently, Hampshire find themselves at the bottom of Division One in the County Championships, 16 points behind Leicestershire.",
  "summary": "Hampshire decide that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club having \"listened to feedback from staff and supporters\".",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ESPNcricinfo",
        "title": "Hampshire U-turn on Kuggeleijn signing after fan backlash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/hampshire-u-turn-on-kuggeleijn-signing-after-fan-backlash",
        "published": "2026-09-02T10:39:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Hampshire make Kuggeleijn U-turn after criticism",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/hampshire-make-kuggeleijn-u-turn-after-criticism-5082037",
        "published": "2026-09-02T12:02:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}