Veteran Australia cricketer James Faulkner, who is part of the Quetta Gladiators franchise, on Saturday has announced that he has withdrawn from the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL). He also blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not honouring the contractual agreement as well.
However, Faulkner has played six PSL 2022 matches for Quetta Gladiators, amassing 49 runs and taking six wickets as well. Meanwhile, Faulkner took to Twitter to announce his decision and apologized to the Pakistani cricket fans for his sudden withdrawal from the league as well.
In his statement, Faulkner said: “I apologise to the Pakistan cricket fans. But unfortunately, I’ve had to withdraw from the last two matches (February 18 and February 20) and leave the [PSL] due to the [PCB] not honouring my contractual agreements/payments.”
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“I’ve been here the whole duration and they have continued to lie to me. It hurts to leave as I wanted to help get international cricket back in Pakistan as there is so much young talent and the fans are amazing. But the treatment I have received has been a disgrace from [PCB] and [PSL]. I’m sure you all understand my position,” he continued.
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I apologise to the Pakistan cricket fans.
But unfortunately I’ve had to withdraw from the last 2 matches and leave the @thePSLt20 due to the @TheRealPCB not honouring my contractual agreement/payments.
I’ve been here the whole duration and they have continued to lie to me.— James Faulkner (@JamesFaulkner44) February 19, 2022
In response, the PCB has said: “The PCB and Quetta Gladiators have regretfully taken note of Mr James Faulkner’s false and misleading accusations and will shortly be released a detailed statement on the matter.”
The PCB and Quetta Gladiators have regretfully taken note of Mr James Faulkner's false and misleading accusations and will shortly be releasing a detailed statement on the matter.#HBLPSL7
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 19, 2022
“The PCB and Quetta Gladiators are disappointed and dismayed with the reprehensible behavior of Mr James Faulkner, who was also part of the Abu Dhabi-leg of the HBL Pakistan Super League in 2021, and, along with all participants, has always been treated with utmost respect,” read a part of the PCB’s statement.
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“In wake of the above, and taking serious note of Mr James Faulkner’s gross misconduct that was an attempt to bring the PCB, Pakistan cricket and the HBL Pakistan Super League into disrepute, it has been unanimously agreed by the PCB and the franchises that Mr James Faulkner will not be drafted in future HBL Pakistan Super League events,” it further added.
