SOUTH Africa has dumped its under-19s cricket captain for this month’s World Cup — because he is Jewish.

Senior officials claim there will be a “risk” of protests at grounds in the country if David Teeger remains at the helm.

It comes after batting all-rounder Teeger, 19, spoke out following the Hamas massacre of Israelis in October last year.

He dedicated a “rising star” award to troops fighting in the ongoing war in Gaza.

He added: “I’d like to dedicate this award to the South African family that married off one son whilst the other is still missing.

“And I’d like to dedicate it to the state of Israel and to every single soldier fighting so that we can live and thrive in the diaspora.”

Teeger — made captain last month after his comments — added: “The real rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel.”

His stance was criticised by Palestinian support groups.

 Cricket South Africa said it axed Teeger, who remains in the squad, to ensure the safety of players and spectators during the World Cup.

The decision could see the ECB come under pressure to clarify its position on taking part in a tournament in which a Jewish player appears to have been discriminated against purely because of his religion.