Australian all-rounder James Faulkner has decided to opt out of the ongoing Pakistan Super League over a payment dispute with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Faulkner, who was playing for Quetta Gladiators, alleged that the Pakistan board did not honor his contractual agreement and payment.

However, Pakistan Cricket Board in a joint statement with Quetta Gladiators squashed Faulkner’s claims. Furthermore, PCB has banned Faulkner from taking part in future seasons of the Pakistan Super League.

Faulkner wrote on his Twitter post, “I apologize 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 honoring my contractual agreement/payments. I’ve been here the whole duration and they have continued to lie to me”.

Faulkner described his treatment by PCB as disgraceful.

He further wrote, “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”.

Meanwhile, PCB refused the claims which are being made by the Australian cricketer.

“In December 2021, Mr James Faulkner’s agent confirmed the United Kingdom bank details to which his fee payments should be transferred. This was noted for action, ” stated PCB’s release.

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 percent 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 percent of his contractual payment only becomes due 40 days after the completion of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022, which now remains a matter to be reviewed in line with his contract.

Despite 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.”