Pears sign Hannon-Dalby amid Swanepoel uncertainty

Worcestershire have signed experienced seamer Olly Hannon-Dalby for the first two games of the County Championship season amid ongoing uncertainty over Beyers Swanepoel's availability.

Hannon-Dalby, 36, has arrived on a 14-day loan deal to cover Friday's opening match of the season at Derbyshire and the trip to Middlesex, starting on 10 April.

All-rounder Swanepoel's future is still to be decided after he left a domestic cup final early, playing for Lions against Titans, on Sunday to catch a flight to the UK.

Cricket South Africa is investigating the incident with Lions saying they had no idea of Swanepoel's intentions.

In a statement, CSA said that Swanepoel left the field seven overs before the close having completed his allotted overs with "no notification or explanation" to the on-field umpires or match official.

As a result, the incident was reported to the match referee and "referred to Cricket South Africa's disciplinary and governance structures for consideration in line with CSA regulations and the applicable code of conduct."

On Tuesday, Pears chief executive Ashley Giles told BBC Hereford and Worcester understanding the exact nature of the situation was "difficult" and any decision on Swanepoel's future was "in the hands of others".

The club said they had moved for Hannon-Dalby while Swanepoel's future "continues to be addressed by the Lions and Cricket South Africa".

Overseas players require a No Objection Certificate from their national body before they can play abroad, with Swanepoel agreeing a season-long red-ball deal at New Road for 2026 in December.

Hannon-Dalby, who is the chairman of the Professional Cricketers' Association, has taken 342 first-class wickets for Warwickshire in 109 matches including more than 50 in three seasons in a row in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

"Oliver is a seasoned professional who has performed consistently at the highest level in county cricket for a long time," Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson said., external

"He possesses one of the strongest skillsets in the domestic game and, just as importantly, is someone of outstanding character who will add a great deal to our group both on and off the field.

"While the circumstances surrounding this move are not ideal, it was important for us to bring in someone who could settle quickly, contribute immediately and provide a genuine threat with the ball in the opening stages of the season."