Worcestershire's new overseas signing, Beyers Swanepoel, has arrived in England under a cloud after leaving a one-day final in South Africa early to catch his flight. The all-rounder was playing for the Lions against Titans on Sunday when he departed around the 43rd over of the second innings without informing his teammates, according to a report by Times Live.
Swanepoel had completed his full allocation of ten overs, but his exit without explanation meant the Lions were denied a substitute fielder for the closing stages. Titans went on to chase down the target with a ball to spare. His earlier departure is said to have angered the Lions setup, who were unaware of his intention to fly to the UK that evening.
Lions chief executive Jono Leaf-Wright expressed his disappointment, saying: “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 Lions, along with Cricket South Africa, are ready to investigate the circumstances surrounding his surprise departure.
