Scott Kuggeleijn could play for Black Caps despite alleged rape charges

Just after a day Jacob Martin was made the Baroda Coach despite criminal charges on him, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced that Scott Kuggeleijn, the Northern district all-rounder, is eligible to play cricket and could also play for the Black Caps this summer.

Scott is currently facing criminal charges of rape and will stand trial in the Hamilton District Court on a date yet to be confirmed.

The NZC said that it was possible that the 24-year-old, who has already played three one-day matches this week for a NZC Emerging Players side against a New Zealand XI, has not been suspended for the upcoming summer season and could play for Northern Districts and even the Black Caps or a New Zealand A side if selected.

“NZC believes the court process is the appropriate forum for judging the charge laid against Scott Kuggeleijn,” Richard Boock, New Zealand Cricket’s Public Affairs manager confirmed.

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“In this respect, it (NZC) does not wish to comment on Scott’s selection prospects, apart from confirming he has not been suspended.”

Kuggeleijn has pleaded not guilty to the rapes charge in the court. It is alleged that he raped a 21-year-old student in Hamilton after a night of drinking in March last year. The trial is currently ongoing and his legal team has not been able to agree a trial date with the Crown yet. The case is back in court on September 29.

Following a strong Plunket Shield season last summer, cricket experts consider he is a bona fide prospect for national selection. Kuggeleijn played for New Zealand A in 2014.

The absence of regular fast bowlers Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan has boosted his prospects of national selection for the upcoming one-day series against India next month.