The PCB has announced that James Faulkner will not be drafted in future editions of the PSL after the Australian all-rounder accused the governing body of lying to him and not honouring contractual agreements.

Faulkner, who has played six matches for Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2022, tweeted on Saturday that he was departing the tournament prematurely.

“I apologise to the Pakistan cricket fans,” wrote Faulkner. “But unfortunately I’ve had to withdraw from the last 2 matches and leave the @thePSLt20 [PSL] due to the @TheRealPCB [PCB] 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 [PCB] and @thePSLt20 [PSL]. I’m sure you all understand my position.”

The PCB first issued a brief statement in response, citing the allegations as “false and misleading”. “The PCB and Quetta Gladiators have regretfully taken note of Mr James Faulkner’s false and misleading accusations and will shortly be releasing a detailed statement on the matter,” read the statement.

 

A lengthier joint-statement from the PCB and the Gladiators followed, with Faulkner’s behaviour cited as “reprehensible”.

“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 the statement.

“In the seven years of the HBL Pakistan Super League, no player has ever complained about the nonfulfillment of the PCB’s contractual obligations.

“Instead, all players have only praised and appreciated the efforts of the PCB to make their stay, appearance and participation as comfortable as practically possible. This is evident that from the fact that most of these cricketers have continued to remain part of the PCB’s marquee event since 2016 and have helped the PCB to make the HBL PSL a strong and formidable brand as it stands today.”

The statement went on to detail the fallout with Faulkner, with the PCB claiming that “his payments as per his contract are fully up to date”.

“In December 2021, Mr James Faulkner’s agent confirmed the United Kingdom bank details to which his fee payments should be transferred,” the statement added. “This was noted for action.

“In January 2022, for reasons best known to Mr Faulkner, his agent sent revised banking details of Mr Faulkner’s onshore account in Australia. However, the contracted 70 per cent of Mr Faulkner’s fee payment was transferred to his offshore UK bank account. The receipt of this payment was acknowledged by Mr Faulkner. Accordingly, his payments as per his contract are fully up to date.

“The remaining 30 per cent of his contractual payment only becomes due 40 days after the completion of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022, which now remains a matter to be reviewed in line with his contract. In spite of the money being transferred and received in his account, Mr Faulkner continued to insist that a second duplicate payment of the same amount be made to his account in Australia. This meant Mr Faulkner would have been paid twice.”

The statement also claimed that Faulkner had “refused to participate” in Quetta’s match against Multan on Friday “until his money demands were met”.

“The PCB, as a responsible organisation, engaged with Mr Faulkner early Friday afternoon in an attempt to reason with him,” the statement continued. “Despite his reprehensible and insulting behavior during the conversation, Mr Faulkner was assured that all his grievances would be addressed. He refused to reconsider his decision to take the field in a crucial match for his side, let his team down and demanded that his travel arrangements be immediately made.”

“During this time, the PCB was also in constant contact with his agent, who was regretful and apologetic. Prior to his departure on Saturday morning, Mr Faulkner caused deliberate damage to the hotel property and as a result had to pay damages to the hotel management. The PCB later also received reports and complaints from the immigration authorities that Mr Faulkner had acted inappropriately and abusively at the airport.”

According to media reports, Faulkner threw his helmet onto a chandelier at the hotel.

The statement concluded by explaining that the PCB has agreed with the PSL franchises that Faulkner will not be drafted for future editions of the tournament.

“In wake of the above, and taking serious note of Mr James Faulkner’s gross misconduct that was an attempt to bring the PCB, Pakistan cricket and the HBL Pakistan Super League into disrepute, it has been unanimously agreed by the PCB and the franchises that Mr James Faulkner will not be drafted in future HBL Pakistan Super League events.”

Faulkner, Player of the Match in the 2015 World Cup final between Australia and New Zealand, represented Lahore Qalandars in the PSL in 2021.

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