The premature withdrawal of Australian all-rounder James Faulkner from the Pakistan Super League has enraged many top Pakistani cricketers, among them Ahmad Shahzad and Shahid Afridi (PSL).
According to Faulkner, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has failed to fulfil its contractual obligations.
A 31-year-old Australian cricketer resorted to Twitter to vent his frustrations. It was “disgraceful” how the PSL and the PCB treated him, he claimed.
Shahid Afridi, a former Pakistan captain, said he was “disappointed” by Faulkner’s “baseless charges” against the Pakistan Super League and the Pakistan Cricket Board.
James Faulkner retaliated against Pakistan’s hospitality and accommodations by making bogus accusations. Respect and timely payments have always been shown to all of us. According to Afridi, “Pakistan cricket and the PSL brand should not be tarnished by anyone.”
“I’m sorry to Pakistan cricket fans, but sadly, I have had to withdraw from the remaining two matches and leave the PSL since the @TheRealPCB is not honouring my contractual agreement/payments,” Faulkner, who played for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, tweeted on Saturday. Since I’ve been here, they’ve continued to deceive me.
A part of me will always miss Pakistan, where there is a wealth of young talent and passionate supporters. Leaving will be difficult.” However, the treatment I’ve received from the @TheRealPCB and @thePSLt20 has been a disgrace. In a subsequent tweet, he said, “I’m sure you all understand my viewpoint.
Faulkner scored 49 runs and took six wickets in six PSL 2022 games.
“Disappointed to see #jamesfaulkner bogus charges! “, Pakistani cricketer Ahmad Shahzad tweeted. Contracts and payments are always on time with #PSL/PCB. Many players all across the world are grateful for it. Instead, he should be thankful for Pakistan’s government’s assistance in his safe return, notwithstanding his outbursts.”
Faulkner’s charges have been denied by the PCB and he has been banned from the PSL for life.
Before he left, the PCB claimed that Faulkner had intentionally damaged hotel property and that the board was liable for the losses.
Faulkner’s behaviour at the airport was also described as inappropriate and abusive by immigration officials, according to the statement.
