Australian cricketer James Faulkner has withdrawn from the ongoing season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over non-payment of dues by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He played for the Quetta Gladiators’ franchise as a bowling all-rounder.
In a tweet, Faulkner said: “I apologise to the Pakistan cricket fans. But unfortunately, I’ve had to withdraw from the last 2 matches and leave the PSL due to the PCB not honouring my contractual agreement/payments. I’ve been here the whole duration and they have continued to lie to me.”
As per the news filtering in, Pakistan Cricket Board has handed a lifelong ban on Faulkner from taking part in Pakistan Super League.
As such, the 31-year-old cricketer will not play the two upcoming matches against the Multan Sultans and the Karachi Kings. He had expressed hope that the Pakistani fans will understand his precarious situation.
James Faulkner added: “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 PCB and PSL.”
Things reportedly came to a head on Friday when the Australian cricketer hurled his bat and helmet from the lobby floor balcony onto a chandelier following a discussion with a PCB official before leaving for the airport.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) norms are that PCB releases money to players before recovering it from the franchises. This explains why Faulkner is upset with the PCB and not with. His franchise, Quetta Gladiators.
Quetta Gladiators, who have distanced themselves from the issue, stating that the dispute lies with the PCB.
The 2022 edition of the PSL commenced on January 27 and will conclude on February 27 this year.Faulkner featured in 6 matches in this PSL season, scalping 6 wickets and scoring 49 runs.
