Beyers Swanepoel is facing disciplinary action after reportedly being charged by CSA with bringing the game into disrepute.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the Central Gauteng Lions all-rounder has also been denied a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), effectively ruling him out of the start of his county stint with Worcestershire.
The charge stems from a controversial incident during last Sunday’s One-Day Cup final at the Wanderers, where Swanepoel left the field before the end of the match to catch a flight to England.
Having completed his 10-over spell, in which he claimed 3-44, he walked off in the 43rd over – leaving the Lions to finish the match a player short.
Match officials denied the Lions a substitute, and they went on to lose a dramatic final against the Northerns Titans by three wickets with a ball to spare.
MORE: Swanepoel under fire after leaving Lions in lurch
The Lions, meanwhile, have launched their own internal inquiry. It is understood Swanepoel will not contest the charges.
Reports suggest neither teammates nor Lions management were aware of Swanepoel’s intention to leave during the match, with some players believing he had departed the field due to injury.
CSA has communicated its decision to withhold the NOC to the ECB, leaving Swanepoel’s immediate future uncertain.
Worcestershire director of cricket Ashley Giles acknowledged the setback, describing the situation as “out of our hands”.
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