Beyers Swanepoel, the under-fire South African all-rounder who left the domestic One-Day Cup final mid-way, has been provided an NOC to play for Worcestershire in the 2026 County Championship.
Cricket South Africa give NOC to Beyers Swanepoel
The 27-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder had courted controversy when he left the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge final before its completion to board a flight to England for his County Championship stint.
Playing for Lions against the Titans, Swanepoel had made six runs with the bat in the first innings and bowled his quota of 10 overs for healthy returns of 3-44. But with around seven overs remaining in the chase, he left the ground, with his teammates and club seemingly not aware of the reason for his departure. The Lions weren't allowed a substitute fielder to cover for Swanepoel's absence. The match eventually went down to the wire, and the Lions lost by three wickets on the penultimate delivery.
Swanepoel's act was met with a stern response from his club. The club CEO Jono Leaf-Wright said he was "extremely disappointed" before they made a statement mutually parting ways with the all-rounder.
Following the loss of his Lions contract, it was widely expected that Swanepoel's county stint would also effectively be over, as he might not receive the No Objection Certificate required to participate. But in what would come as a relief to him, Cricket South Africa have indeed given him the NOC, which was announced by his county club Worcestershire on Sunday (April 12).
Also read: South African all-rounder who left mid-final faces career crisis following CSA disciplinary action
"Worcestershire County Cricket Club can confirm that it has now received Beyers Swanepoel’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket South Africa," the statement said, adding that he is now available to train with the squad.
"Beyers is now able to begin training with the squad and building up his match fitness ahead of our next fixture against Kent at New Road from 24 April."
This would be Swanepoel's second County Championship stint, having played three games for Kent in the 2024 season, where he made 112 runs at 22.40 and took five wickets at 53.40.
