Pakistan cricket board has been trying to revive cricket in the country for a long time now. In a country reeling under trillions of dollars of debt, sky-high inflation, and constant death threats, Cricket is the single theme that unites Pakistanis. Despite the various attempts of the country to fill its dry, bankrupt coffers with money, the nation’s cricket board seemingly is on the verge of its end. Well, we have a certain reason to claim the same.
James Faulkner lambasts Pakistan cricket board
In what can be seen as a shocking development, Australian all-rounder James Faulkner has left the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the middle of the season. He has left midway over a payment issue, accusing PCB of ill-treating him and failing to meet financial responsibilities.
As per the reports, Faulkner was constantly negotiating with the PCB over the alleged issues. A failed discussion led the Australian cricketer to lose his cool after which he threw his bat and helmet from the lobby floor balcony. Later, he packed his bags and left for the airport.
The 31-year old cricket player took to Twitter to inform about what transpired in Pakistan during PSL. Faulkner reported that his intention has always been to help the country and their fans get international cricket back but the treatment he received from the PCB was disgraceful.
He tweeted, “1/2 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.
He added, “2/2 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.”
2/2
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
Notably, Faulkner featured in six PSL games this season, took six wickets and scored 49 runs. He did not feature in the last three games for his franchise, Quetta Gladiators.
PCB issues statement
Soon after the PCB realised that Faulkner’s revelations could cause severe damage to the nation’s cricket, it issued a statement calling the cricketer’s claims false.
Read more: Pakistan seeks India’s help to save its bankrupt Cricket Board but India knows better
The statement read, “The PCB and Quetta Gladiators are disappointed and dismayed with the reprehensible behaviour 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 the utmost respect.”
The country’s cricket board also blew its own trumpet. It stated, “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 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.”
PCB then attempted to tarnish the image of Faulkner and said, “Without commenting on the history of Mr James Faulkner’s misconduct over the past many years that has also resulted in his fallout with other teams, below is a brief summary of some of the undisputed facts.”
And then, PCB went on to describe how Faulkner was wrong.
In the statement, PCB also reported that “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.”
Whatever is the truth but PCB is having a hard time reviving the sport in the country. Pakistan Cricket League is the only thing that could have prevented the cricket board from heading towards the path of bankruptcy. But, with such controversies floating around the media, it is evident that PCB has failed in its attempt to become a part of international cricket.