CSA has provided more details on Beyers Swanepoel’s controversial exit during the One-Day Cup final at the Wanderers last Sunday.

CSA head of pathways and domestic cricket manager Edward Khoza confirmed the Central Gauteng Lions all-rounder left the field late in the match in what appeared to be a permitted break, before it emerged he had left the ground entirely to catch a flight to England for his county stint with Worcestershire.

Having completed his 10-over spell, in which he claimed 3-44, Swanepoel 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.

“It is a very unfortunate situation; we received the report from the match referee,” Khoza told SportsBoom.co.za. “There were about seven overs left when Beyers left the field and people thought he was going on a comfort break, which is allowed.

“You are allowed to leave the field for about eight minutes. After that, he was not back. The match referee instructed the fourth official to check, and that’s when they realised he had left the ground.”

Khoza said CSA and the Lions had not granted Swanepoel a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).

“For a South African player to go and play in the UK, they require an NOC. CSA and his employers never granted it,” he said. “We are speaking about professional cricket and this conduct disrupted our processes.”

CSA has informed the ECB of the situation, with Swanepoel barred from playing abroad until the matter is resolved.

“He is not allowed to play. We have informed the ECB, and they have engaged with the county,” Khoza added. “He will have to sit on the sidelines until the disciplinary matter is finalised.”

Khoza confirmed that no approval had been given for Swanepoel to leave when he did, and that further details would emerge once the investigation is complete.

“There was no material reason for him to leave the field and catch a flight that day,” he said. “His employers are not happy and they want answers.”

While acknowledging the financial pull of overseas opportunities, Khoza stressed that protocols must be followed.

“We deal with NOCs often and sometimes grant them during a season for valid reasons,” he said. “But the processes and procedures must be adhered to. We support our players, and it is disappointing to deal with a matter of this nature.”

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