Australian leg spinner Shane Warne has called for a life ban to be imposed on any cricketer found guilty of match-fixing.
Warne says, the tainted trio Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and Pakistan captain Salman Butt, should face the sternest punishment possible if found guilty:
"If it is true and they have been found (guilty of) match-fixing and throwing games and test match spot betting, I think it was with the no-balls and stuff, if that's the case they should be thrown out. It's as simple as that. I don't think there should be any other way to do it. If they've been involved in and throwing games, I mean we pay our dollars, I take my kids to the cricket and all sporting events, in any sporting events, I think if it's fixed by players, they should be banned for life. It's as simple as that", Warne said in Melbourne.
Warne is no stranger to controversy himself - fined in 1995 for taking money from an Indian bookmaker in exchange for information on pitch and weather conditions.
The 40-year old believes that the sport's governing body has an important role in clamping down indiscipline.
"Well, anyone who's involved should be thrown out. Then you're going to have to look at Pakistan and say 'well, okay, you've got to show us you're playing free' because we all pay our money and watch and want to see a contest. If these guys are found that there's been more than that involved, then I suppose the ICC (International Cricket Council) have to flex their muscles and show some, well, they just have to flex their muscles I suppose and just go after Pakistan", Warne said.
As well as the current allegations, there are question marks over Pakistan's performance in the second Test against Australia in Sydney last January - when they lost to the hosts from a commanding postion.
"They are only allegations at the moment so I suppose you have to say innocent until proven guilty. But looking back at the (Sydney) test match, if it was fixed you could understand how it was fixed by the way they were captaining the side and their tactics in the side. It would make sense if it was true", Warne said.
Pakistan are due to begin a series of limited overs matches against England on Sunday (5th September), when they play a Twenty20 international in Cardiff.
