Cricket star abandons team midway through final to catch a flight

South African all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel could be blocked from playing for Worcestershire after leaving a one-day cup final early to fly to the United Kingdom.

Swanepoel had been playing for Lions in their clash with Titans on Sunday but proceeded to walk off the pitch with eight overs remaining of the CSA One-Day Cup final.

Richard Huggard

He had taken three wickets for 44 runs during the match before his sudden departure.

Lions say they had no knowledge of his plans to leave early for a flight.

The 27-year-old is set to represent Worcestershire in this year’s County Championship.

He signed a one-year deal back in December, with a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) allowing him to play county cricket.

Lions have revealed that Swanepoel’s NOC is currently unsigned, though.

Meanwhile, ESPN report that this will remain the case until they are satisfied with the outcome of an inquiry into his conduct at the final.

Swanepoel had initially been replaced by a substitute fielder after he left the field after 42 overs of Titans’ winnings.

His teammates had thought he had picked up an injury at first before their opponents enquired about his status.

At this point, it was discovered Swanepoel had instead said goodbye to his teammates in the dugout.

He had then left the stadium for the airport in order to catch a 7:30pm flight from Johannesburg to the United Kingdom.

Richard Huggard

Lions were subsequently prevented from having a substitute fielder for the remainder of the match.

They went on to lose by three wickets, with Titans clinching victory on the penultimate ball.

‘Extremely disappointed’ – Lions CEO

Following the final, Lions chief executive Jono Leaf-Wright explained: “I am extremely disappointed in Beyers.

“His actions go completely against the culture and values of the team which we have worked to build for the last six years.

“He has let the union and the fans down.”

Swanepoel, who previously played for Kent, could now be prevented from representing Worcestershire until the matter is resolved.

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Alan Richardson’s side begin their County Championship campaign against Derbyshire on Friday.

Worcestershire will compete in Division Two this season after suffering relegation from Division One last year.