Hampshire make U-turn on new signing after social media backlash

Hampshire have confirmed that New Zealand all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijn will not feature for the club, following widespread criticism over his signing.

Kuggeleijn was charged with sexual violation by rape and indecent assault in 2015, having pleaded not guilty. He was later acquitted after a second trial, following a hung jury in the first trial.

Hampshire listed Kuggeleijn in their squad for their Rothesay County Championship match against Warwickshire on Tuesday, beginning Wednesday, then confirmed later that day they had signed the 34-year-old for the final four matches of the season.