During the Auckland T20I between New Zealand and India on Friday (8 February), New Zealand Cricket (NZC) faced the “MeToo” protest.
According to a recent ESPNcricinfo report, “MeToo” movement was carried on during the Auckland T20I. The protestors had a poster which claimed, “Wake up, NZ Cricket, #MeToo”.
That report further added that the similar protest happened during the first T20I of the series at Wellington on last Wednesday (6 February). During that game, the security personnel took down the “No means no” placard. Later, that act faced several criticisms, and the NZC and stadium officials apologised for that action.
Scott Kuggeleijn is taking the centre stage
According to the report, the NZC is facing this protest due to the inclusion of Scott Kuggeleijn in the T20I squad. In 2015, the Northern Districts all-rounder faced rape charges. Later, he faced two trials in 2016 and 2017. While the 2016 trial had no verdict, the Hamilton District Court declared him not guilty in February 2017.
Scott Kuggeleijn is the son of former New Zealand international cricketer Chris Kuggeleijn. Scott Kuggeleijn made his international cricket debut in May 2017, during New Zealand’s tour of Ireland. He made his T20I debut in last month during the one-off T20I match against Sri Lanka at Auckland. The 27-year-old has played two ODIs and three T20Is till the date.
Scott Kuggeleijn played both T20Is in the ongoing three-match home T20I series against India. In the Wellington T20I, the right-handed batsman played a brilliant cameo knock of unbeaten 20 runs off just seven balls. Meanwhile, in the Auckland T20I, he was not out on two runs. However, in both the games, the right-arm pacer failed to take any wicket.
Both teams are now focusing for the last T20I of the series. On Sunday (10 February), New Zealand and India will meet in the final T20I of the series at Hamilton. As the series is currently 1-1, the Hamilton T20I is going to be the series decider.