Australia cricketer James Faulkner Faulkner, who played for the Quetta Gladiators, announced that he was withdrawn from the ongoing Pakistan Super League on Saturday. Faulkner he accused the PCB and PSL management of telling him lies and treating his disgracefully.
The PCB and Quetta Gladiators, however, said that Faulkner has been paid his money for playing in the league as per his contract and added that the Australian will not be picked for the T20 tournament in the future. Faulkner played six matches for the Gladiators this season, he had also apologised to the Pakistan cricket fans for withdrawing from the competition. “I apologise to the Pakistan cricket fans. But unfortunately, I’ve had to withdraw from the last two matches and leave the PSL due to the PCB not honouring my contractual agreements/payments,” Faulkner said on Twitter.
In another tweet, Faulkner said that he wanted to get international cricket back in Pakistan, adding that the treatment he has received from the PCB and the PSL “has been a disgrace”.
“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.” Faulkner added.
In response, the PCB 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.”
In another statement the PCB has termed Faulkner’s allegations as baseless and handed him a life ban from the competition. “In the seven years of the HBL Pakistan Super League, no player has ever complained about the non-fulfillment of the PCB’s contractual obligations,” the board said in a statement.