Beyers Swanepoel bowls for the Lions during the 2026 CSA 1 Day Cup.

• Cricket South Africa stated that Lions all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel failed to adhere to protocol and will undergo two disciplinary proceedings.
• Swanepoel left the 1 Day Cup final early to catch a flight to England without informing the Lions management and Cricket SA.
• The 27-year-old’s English county deal with Worcestershire is also in jeopardy as his No Obligation Certificate was not signed by CSA before he departed.
• For more, visit News24’s cricket section.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Thursday that Lions all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel did not follow protocol and will face two disciplinary processes.

Swanepoel grabbed headlines last Sunday at the Wanderers when the bowling all-rounder walked off early during the Lions’ 1 Day Cup final against the Titans.

Swanepoel took three for 44 in his 10-over stint, before leaving the Wanderers field with eight overs remaining – to catch a flight to the United Kingdom, where he signed with English county club, Worcestershire.

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The 27-year-old flew over to England without his No Objection Certificate (NOC) signed by CSA as Swanepoel penned a season-long deal with Worcestershire.

According to CSA’s statement on Thursday, Swanepoel had given “no notification or explanation” to the on‑field umpires or match officials and even some of his Lions teammates – and instead drove to OR Tambo International Airport.

The Lions were unaware of Swanepoel’s travel plans, which left the Johannesburg-based franchise fielding only 10 players, ultimately resulting in a narrow loss of the 1 Day Cup title to the Titans by three wickets with just one ball remaining.

CSA confirmed the organisation did not receive a No Obligation Certificate (NOC) requested “nor any authorisation obtained from Lions Cricket as per protocol”.

Swanepoel will now face two disciplinary proceedings: one led by CSA and the other by the Lions.

This was Swanepoel’s first season at the Lions, having previously represented the Warriors in Gqeberha.

Lions CEO Jono Leaf-Wright said in a statement that the franchise, which won the 4-Day Series, take the matter seriously and that “such behaviour does not align with our values”.

The Lions will maintain close collaboration with CSA and the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) to achieve a resolution on the matter.

In Thursday’s statement, CSA insisted that no assumptions or conclusions will be made prior to the completion of the disciplinary process.

“The incident was formally reported by the match referee and has been referred to Cricket South Africa’s disciplinary and governance structures for consideration in line with CSA regulations and the applicable Code of Conduct,” read their statement.

“CSA stresses that no assumptions or conclusions will be made prior to the completion of this process.

“Cricket South Africa reaffirms that strict adherence to playing conditions, operational protocols, and professional communication standards is non‑negotiable, particularly in showpiece fixtures such as domestic finals.

“These standards are fundamental to preserving fairness, transparency, and the credibility of the game for players, match officials, teams, broadcasters, sponsors, and supporters.”

Worcestershire, newly relegated to Division Two of the County Championship, play their opening first-class four-day game against Derbyshire on Friday.