Pears in contact with all parties over Swanepoel

Worcestershire say they are "in contact with the relevant parties" over the situation concerning all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel and his likely availability this summer following the termination of his contract with his domestic club in South Africa.

The Lions issued a statement on Thursday, external saying they had reached a "mutual agreement to part ways with immediate effect" with Swanepoel after the 27-year-old left the field early in their 50-over cup final against Titans on 29 March.

The club said Swanepoel walked off without permission and the necessary No Objection Certificate needed for all overseas players to be able to play in England from them and Cricket South Africa.

Lions chief executive Jono Leaf-Wright called the situation "unfortunate" but hoped all parties could now "move forward".

Swanepoel said he wanted to "sincerely apologise to the Lions family" and added that "many lessons have been learnt".

Worcestershire signed Warwickshire seamer Olly Hannon-Dalby on a 14-day loan to cover the first two rounds of County Championship matches while Swanepoel's situation was being looked at.

The Pears begin their second four-day game against Middlesex at Lord's on Friday, with Swanepoel still potentially available to join the county at some stage having signed a season-long red-ball deal in December.

In a statement, Worcestershire said: "In light of this development, the club remains in contact with the relevant parties regarding Beyers' current status and any further regulatory requirements, including the No Objection Certificate (NOC) process with Cricket South Africa.

"At this stage, it would be premature to provide a definitive timeframe for Beyers joining the squad, and the club will issue a further update in due course."