James Faulkner Withdraws From PSL 2022: Australian cricketer James Faulkner was on Saturday handed a life ban from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) after he withdrew from the PSL 2022, blaming the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and his franchise Quetta Gladiators for not “honouring” a contractual agreement.
James Faulkner Withdraws From PSL 2022
Faulkner apologised to the Pakistani fans for pulling out of final two matches of PSL 2022. He further stated that the concerned PCB officials have continued to mislead him during the entire duration of the tournament. “I’ve been here the whole duration and they have continued to lie to me.”, Faulkner said.
The 31-year old added that his intention has always been to promote cricket in Pakistan. but the treatment he received from the PCB and the PSL’s management has been a disgrace.
“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 said.
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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
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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 @thePSLt20I’m sure you all understand my position.
— James Faulkner (@JamesFaulkner44) February 19, 2022
Shahid Afridi Felt Disappointed
The turn of events has left Pakistan legend Shahid Afridi disappointed. The former Pakistan captain has backed the cricketing board. Afridi, whose PSL stint came to end due to a back pain, has taken to Twitter and written that the players’ payments have never been delayed.
“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 cricket & the #HBLPSL brand,” he has written.
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 🇵🇰, 🇵🇰cricket & the #HBLPSL brand.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) February 19, 2022
Pakistan Cricket Board reacts
In response, the PCB termed Faulkner’s allegations as “baseless” and handed him a life ban from the tournament.
“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.
PCB has also responded to Faulkner’s allegations and released a detailed statement. As per PCB, the 70% fees was sent to Faulkner’s UK account in December 2021.
In January 2022, his agent sent revised banking details of Faulkner’s Australia account. As per PCB, the 70% fees had been deposited in Faulkner’s UK account.
James Faulkner Threw his Bat into a chandelier
The board’s statement adds that the PCB officials engaged with the all-rounder but he refused to take part in matches for Quetta Gladiators.
According to some sources, before departure, James Faulkner threw his bat and helmet from the lobby floor balcony of a hotel in Lahore into a chandelier, following a disagreement with a PCB official. He also reportedly misbehaved with the security officers at the Lahore immigration.
As a result of his actions, Faulkner has been banned from the T20 league. He had 49 runs and 6 wickets in the season.
