Overview
- The Johannesburg-based Lions ended Swanepoel’s contract Thursday after he walked out of the One-Day Cup final before the match finished.
- Cricket South Africa denied him a no‑objection certificate, the clearance South African players need to take overseas deals, which stops him from playing county cricket.
- He left around the 43rd over to catch a flight for his Worcestershire deal, and the Lions, not allowed a substitute because he was not injured, fielded 10 players and lost to the Titans.
- Swanepoel apologised to the Lions and their supporters, saying he was grateful for the season and that he had learned important lessons.
- Without the NOC from CSA and sign-off from his union, a county stint cannot proceed, underscoring how eligibility rules protect team commitments and control player availability.