If the three Pakistanis are found guilty, there is a strong case for life bans. When a cancer is detected, cut it out. But would that apply to the bowlers, especially Amir? Asif has form, having been caught with drugs, but Amir is just a boy, and the ICC code of conduct specifies that youth, lack of experience and turning witness for the prosecution mitigate the crime.

The judgment of Amir will be clouded by Pakistani politics, sentiment and the wish to watch such a promising player develop. This should be resisted. If guilty, all three should be banned for life, especially Amir because his case could prove to be the most powerful possible deterrent to a young cricketer contemplating a life of crime. And if further allegations are proven, the only credible penalty is to suspend Pakistan from international cricket. It is perfectly possible that no one will want to play them anyway.