Rape-accused cricketer Scott Kuggeleijn could play for New Zealand this year

The report confirmed that NZC has made it clear the all-rounder could play most of the upcoming summer season for Northern Districts and even the Black Caps or a New Zealand ‘A’ side if selected. Kuggeleijn has already played three 50-over matches for a NZC Emerging Players side against a New Zealand XI this week in Christchurch. “NZC believes the court process is the appropriate forum for judging the charge laid against Scott Kuggeleijn,” Richard Boock, NZC’s Public Affairs manager confirmed. “In this respect, it (NZC) does not wish to comment on Scott’s selection prospects, apart from confirming he has not been suspended.”

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Kuggeleijn has pleaded not guilty to the charge pertaining to an alleged incident from March last year. It has been reported that his legal team has not been able to agree a trial date with the Crown yet and the case will be back in court on September 29. The cricketer had a terrific Plunket Shield season last summer, forcing the cricket experts to believe in his abilities and potential to represent the New Zealand cricket team.

Kuggeleijn had earlier represented New Zealand ‘A’ in 2014. His prospects of national selection have been boosted by the absence of fast bowlers Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan from the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against India next month. Now that the board has made the road clear for him, he will have the chance to claim for a spot during the three upcoming Plunket Shield matches for Northern District.