Australian all-rounder James Faulkner, who plays for Quetta Gladiators, announced his withdrawal midway from the underway Pakistan Super League League (PSL) and held his franchise & Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responsible for not honoring a contractual agreement. He accused the PCB and PSL of not releasing his payments and lying to him since the tournament started.
Faulkner, who played six matches for the Gladiators this season, 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 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,” Faulkner tweeted.
“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,” he added.
The PCB and Quetta Gladiators, however, said that Faulkner has been paid his money for appearing in the league as per his contractual obligations and added that the Australian will not be picked in the T20 tournament in future.
On the contrary, the Pakistani journalist has criticised Faulkner saying that there has never been a single issue with PSL due to non-payment ever.
Writing on Twitter Farid Khan said, “Faulkner has been involved in controversies in the past too, I didn’t want to tweet it but I will have to. Faulkner was sent back home this morning, he had broken the chandelier of PC hotel in Lahore too, had thrown his personal belongings in disgust as well.”
“There has never been a single issue with PSL due to non-payments EVER. All players are paid 50%-70% in advance and the rest of the payment is released too. PSL has happened every year smoothly and without any issues. The PCB should issue a press release and reveal the real thing,” he added.
PCB also quashed Faulkner's accusation and 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."
Quetta Gladiators face Karachi Kings in their final group match of PSL7 on February 20 but victory alone will not guarantee playoff qualification. They also require Islamabad United to lose their remaining two matches.
