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Former Pakistan skipper and prolific all-rounder Shahid Afridi has come out to hit out Australia all-rounder James Faulkner for making “baseless allegations.”
It all started when Faulkner announced his withdrawal midway from the ongoing Pakistan Super League League (PSL). He also blamed his franchise- Quetta Gladiators & Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not obeying contractual agreement.
Afridi's response
In his response, Afridi took to Twitter and said that he was “disappointed” with the Aussie all-rounder for “levelling baseless allegations.”
"Disappointed with @JamesFaulkner44 comments who reciprocated Pakistan's hospitality &arrangements by levelling baseless allegations. We al have been treated with respect &never ever our payments have been delayed. No one should be allowed to taint Pakistan, Pakistan cricket & the #HBLPSL brand," Afridi tweeted.
Previously, Faulkner apologised to Pakistan cricket fans for withdrawing from “the last 2 matches.”
“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.
“It hurts to leave as I wanted to help to 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 the @TheRealPCB and @thePSLt20. I'm sure you all understand my position," Faulkner tweeted.
Faulkner, who played six matches this season picked up six wickets and scored 49 runs.
PCB statement
PCB on the other hand, also dismissed Faulkner's accusation and said, “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,” in an official statement.
In PSL, Islamabad United conceded a 66-run defeat against Lahore Qalandars. Batting first, Qalandars scored a big total of 197 runs losing 6 wickets, in 20 overs. English batter Harry Brook scored 102 runs off 49 balls and registered the second-fastest century in the history of PSL.
In reply, Islamabad-based side could manage to reach a total of 131 runs losing 9 wickets.
