James Faulkner has abruptly departed the Pakistan Super League due to a financial disagreement, claiming that the PCB has failed to honour his contract and instead “continues to lie” to him. In reaction, the PCB called Faulkner’s actions “reprehensible,” declaring him ineligible for future PSL draughts and accusing him of interfering with immigration officials and letting his team down.
Faulkner, who has missed the last three games for the Quetta Gladiators, is said to have become more angry over the situation and has been in talks with the PCB about it.
However, after a furious confrontation with a PCB official before leaving for the airport on Friday, he tossed his bat and helmet from the lobby floor balcony onto a hotel chandelier. Before leaving, he compensated the motel for the damages.
He apologised to Pakistan cricket fans in two tweets, calling the PCB and the PSL’s treatment of him “a shame.”
The PCB and Quetta Gladiators issued a joint statement, calling Faulkner’s charges false and condemning his “reprehensible behaviour.” Faulkner’s representative gave UK bank account details to transfer fee payments to, according to the statement, before supplying new bank account details the following month, this time for an Australian bank account. The PCB had already transferred 70% of the money owing to the players, including Faulkner, by this time. According to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB warned Faulkner that the payment could not be made to a second account until the first one was reversed.
It’s unclear whether Faulkner will be compensated for the remaining 30%. The PCB believes Faulkner has broken his contract and will investigate the matter.
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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
“No player has ever complained about the PCB’s contractual commitments not being met in the seven years of the HBL Pakistan Super League,” the PCB said. “Despite the fact that the funds had been deposited and received in his account, Mr Faulkner insisted on a second duplicate payment of the identical amount to his Australian account.” Mr. Faulkner would have received two payments as a result of this. He also threatened to boycott his team’s match against Multan Sultans on Friday afternoon unless his demands for money were met.
“The PCB engaged with Mr Faulkner early Friday afternoon in an attempt to reason with him as a responsible organisation.” Mr Faulkner was assured that his issues will be addressed despite his awful and rude behaviour during the session. He refused to reconsider his choice to play in a key match for his team, claiming that he had let them down, and insisted that his flight plans be made right away.
“Mr Faulkner caused deliberate damage to the hotel property prior to his departure on Saturday morning, and as a result, he had to pay damages to the hotel management. Mr Faulkner had acted inappropriately and abusively at the airport, according to reports and accusations obtained by the PCB from immigration officers. The PCB and the teams have unanimously agreed that Mr James Faulkner will not be drafted in future HBL Pakistan Super League events.”
his season, Faulkner appeared in six PSL games, collecting six wickets and scoring 49 runs.
