Beyers Swanepoel, Worcestershire's new overseas signing, has arrived in England under a cloud after abandoning his team in a one-day final in South Africa to catch a flight. The all-rounder was playing for the Lions against the Titans on Sunday when he left for the airport around the 43rd over of the second innings without informing his teammates. Teammates assumed he had picked up an injury.
Swanepoel had already bowled his full allocation of 10 overs, but because he was not injured, the Lions were denied a substitute fielder for the final stages. The Titans went on to chase down the target with a ball to spare. There are conflicting reports over whether Lions management knew of his intention to fly to the UK that evening.
Jono Leaf-Wright, the Lions chief executive, expressed his disappointment: 'I’m just extremely disappointed with Beyers. This is not the kind of conduct we, as the Lions, expect from our players. He has let down his teammates and the union.'
According to ESPNCricinfo, Swanepoel's season-long deal with Worcestershire could be in doubt. Overseas players require a No Objection Certificate from their home board, and both the Lions and Cricket South Africa are set to investigate the circumstances of his sudden departure. Russell Domingo, the Lions head coach, also missed the final to start his new role at Hampshire but did so with permission.
