Feb 20, 2022: Condemning the insulting and false allegations leveled at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) by Quetta Gladiators all-rounder James Faulkner, former national cricket team captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has said that the board should deal with the matter strictly.

Faulkner accused the PCB of violating its agreement and failing to pay as promised. Speaking on the Geo News program, Inzamam said that if a Pakistani player had worked in another country like Faulkner, there would have been severe consequences.

Inzamam recalled the intense scrutiny period Pakistan’s national side had to endure following the death of former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer in 2007 in West Indies, he said that large-scale investigations had been launched after the incident against Pakistan.

“Faulkner did very wrong. Such things are very important for the dignity and honour of the country,” he added.

He further said that strict action should be taken against any player who is involved in such allegations.

Since the allegations by and the following actions of James Faulkner, the PCB and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises had unanimously decided that Australia’s James Faulkner would not be drafted in future tournaments because of his “gross misconduct”. Faulkner had earlier today accused the PCB of failing to meet its obligations under the agreement, which the board called “false” and “misleading” in a brief statement.

Later, in a detailed press release from the PCB and Quetta Gladiators, the board stated that it had taken serious note of Faulkner’s “gross misconduct” and called the actions by Faulkner an attempt to bring the PSL to disrepute.

“The PCB and Quetta Gladiators are disappointed and dismayed with the reprehensible behavior of 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,” the statement had said.

“…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,” it added.

James Faulkner abruptly quit the Pakistan Super League over a payment dispute, alleging that the PCB did not respect his agreement and instead “continued to lie” to him. The PCB responded by calling Faulkner’s behavior “reprehensible”, banning the Australian player from future PSL drafts, and accused him of misbehaving with immigration authorities and letting his side down.

Faulkner, who has not played in the last three matches of the Quetta Gladiators, was thought to be incensed over the issue and was in talks with the PCB. However, on Friday, things got so heated that he threw his bat and helmet on the hotel chandelier from the lobby floor balcony after an argument with a PCB official before leaving for the airport. He paid damages to the hotel before leaving.

He said in a tweet, “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. 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 @thePSLt20. I’m sure you all understand my position.”

According to the sports website, ESPNcricinfo, the PCB released a joint statement with Quetta Gladiators, calling Faulkner’s allegations baseless and expressing dismay at his “reprehensible behaviour”. The statement said Faulkner’s agent sent UK bank account details to transfer fee payments to, before sending revised bank account details the following month, this time for a bank account in Australia. By this time, the PCB had already transferred 70% of the money owed to the players, including Faulkner. ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB told Faulkner the payment could not be made again to a different account until the initial payment was reversed.

The PCB believe Faulkner to have breached his contract, and are debating over the remaining 30% payment, saying it is a matter they will review.

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

“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. 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.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan U-19 player Muhammad Shehzad has taken Australian all-rounder James Faulkner’s place in the Quetta Gladiators for the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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