Lions terminate Beyers Swanepoel contract after domestic final exit

Johannesburg: South Africa's Lions have ended the contract of all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel after he left the season-ending domestic 50-over final before the match had finished, forcing the side to continue with 10 players in a close contest against the Titans, which they went on to lose.

Swanepoel departed around the 43rd over to travel to the airport and catch a flight to England after signing a contract with Worcestershire for the county season. Because his absence was not due to injury, the Lions were not permitted to bring on a replacement fielder.

The decision has also affected his immediate county prospects. Cricket South Africa has denied Swanepoel a no-objection certificate following the incident, meaning he is currently unable to play county cricket. He must now wait for the outcome of CSA hearings before learning whether he will receive the required documentation to represent Worcestershire, who had expected him to be available for the full season.

Swanepoel was not included in Worcestershire's 13-man squad for Friday's match against Middlesex. The county side had also signed Oliver Hannon-Dalby on a short-term loan from Warwickshire last week to cover for his absence.

The Johannesburg-based Lions confirmed on Thursday that Swanepoel's contract had been terminated. Lions chief executive Jono Leaf-Wright said in a statement, It has been an unfortunate period for all parties involved but we have now brought the matter to a close, allowing everyone to move forward. He added, At Lions cricket we hold ourselves to the highest professional standards and take matters of this nature very seriously.

Swanepoel apologised to the team but did not comment on what comes next for him. In his statement, he said, First and foremost, I would like to thank Lions Cricket for the opportunity to represent the Union, I loved my season representing the Pride and it will always hold a special place in my heart. He added, I sincerely apologise to the entire Lions family for what transpired in the final and can assure everyone that many lessons have been learnt.

The incident has left Swanepoel awaiting the outcome of CSA's process before any decision is made on whether he can take up his county stint in England.