PSL 2022: PCB, Quetta Gladiators strongly refute James Faulkner's allegations, bar him from league in future

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Quetta Gladiators, in a join statement, have categorically denied the allegations put against them by Australian all-rounder James Faulkner, who left the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) midway through the season citing the reason as the board not “honouring his contractual agreement/payments”.

In a tweet dated February 19, Faulkner alleged the PCB to have “lied” to him, while terming the treatment received by the PCB as “disgrace”.

In a fierce statement released following Faulkner’s tweet, the PCB slammed him for “reprehensible behaviour” and admitted that his team as well as the board are “disappointed and dismayed”, while stating that his misconduct on his behalf was an attempt to tarnish the image of PSL. In line of the same consideration, the PCB confirmed that Faulker “will not be drafted in future Pakistan Super League events.”

The PCB explained the turn of events, confirming 70% of his contracted fee was duly sent to an offshore UK account approved by his agent. However, later, the board received revised bank details – an onshore account in Australia – where Faulkner demanded his fees to be paid instead. Given the 70 percent fee payment was already honoured, agreeing to Faulkner’s request would have meant that he “would have been paid twice”.

Payments due to James Faulkner as per his contract are fully up to date: PCB

“In the seven years of the Pakistan Super League, no player has ever complained about the nonfulfillment of the PCB’s contractual obligations,” the statement read. The remaining statement, explaining the turn of events, read as follows:

“In December 2021, Mr James Faulkner’s agent confirmed the offshore United Kingdom bank details to which his fee payments should be transferred. 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, payments due to Mr Faulkner 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 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. He further threatened and refused to participate in his side’s match against Multan Sultans on Friday afternoon 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. 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.”