LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators’ all-rounder James Faulkner has pulled out from the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) and blamed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not “honouring” his “contractual agreement”.
The Australian cricketer apologised to the Pakistani cricket fans for his withdrawal from the team’s last two matches — against Multan Sultans on Friday and tomorrow’s fixture against Karachi Kings.
“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,” he said in a tweet.
Faulkner blamed the cricket board for continuing to “lie” to him despite his full-time presence in the tournament.
The Australian all-rounder said it “hurts” to leave as he wanted to “help” get international cricket back in Pakistan.
“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,” Faulkner said.
He claimed that despite his attempts to do so, the treatment he received from the PCB and the management of the PSL had been a “disgrace”.
“I’m sure you all understand my position,” he added.
‘False and misleading accusations’
In response, the PCB said it had taken notice of Faulkner’s allegations and would release a detailed statement on the matter.
Revealing the reason behind the contention between Faulkner and the PCB, sources informed Geo News that 70% of the amount that was due to the all-rounder was credited to his account. However, as per the agreement the remaining 30% was to be handed over to him 40 days after the conclusion of the PSL.
Sources said Faulkner had damaged the property of the hotel the PSL teams were residing in and was also demanding additional money from the Gladiators.
James Faulkner threw his bat and helmet onto a chandelier after a discussion with a PCB official.
“Before departure and under the influence of alcohol, he damaged PC hotel’s property and had to pay damages at the time of check-out,” the sources said.
At Lahore immigration, the sources said, he again misbehaved with the security staff who have already referred the matter to the higher authorities.
James Faulkner’s performance in PSL
Faulkner has not been up to his best in this edition of the PSL for Quetta Gladiators.
The all-rounder has failed to deliver with the ball and has bowled some expensive spells.
In the last match against Islamabad United, he gave away 47 runs and took two wickets.
He has taken only five wickets in six matches for the Gladiators, while with the bat, he has 49 runs in six matches.
Faulkner’s best performance came against Multan Sultans, where he took a wicket at the expense of 22 runs and scored 30 runs. (GEOTV)