'The punishment does not fit the crime' - Warne

Shane Warne on Facebook:

"Let's take the emotion out of it. We are all feeling angry and embarrassed. But you need a level head and you shouldn't destroy someone unless they deserve to be destroyed. Their actions were indefendable, and they need to be severely punished. But I don't think a one year ban is the answer.

"My punishment would have been to miss the fourth Test match, a huge fine, and be sacked as captain and vice-captain. But they should still be allowed to play after that."

Cricket has been known as a gentleman's game. It's a game that I believe should be played in the purest form. Whatever has happened is unfortunate but the right decision has been taken to uphold the integrity of the game. Winning is important but the way you win is more important

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 28, 2018

Steve Smith I think is a good guy who made a huge mistake ... He needed punishing but I think this is too harsh ... Bancroft who I don't know was led astray but deserved punishing but again too harshly IMO ... The other guy I really don't care about ...

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 28, 2018

Goodbye David

— Jonathan Trott (@Trotty) March 28, 2018

I think that if the #ICC laws were harsh and players would get banned then I don't think we would have been in this situation . I feel the bans are harsh and 6 months would have been enough plus they have been hard hit in the pocket as well .

— Allan Lamb (@AllanLamb294) March 28, 2018

I honestly believe everyone is overreacting to the whole ball tampering thing look there isn't a professional player who hasn't done it cricket is tough especially on flat wickets u wanna try things so miss me with the BS ban the guys for 2 Test and a fine and get on with it .

— Tino95 (@tinobest) March 27, 2018

I honestly do not believe any other country would have handed its captain and lead player a 12 month ban for attempted ball-tampering

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 28, 2018

As expected, CA have been very strict in their punishment to the offending players. The major take away from this is how critical your track record is.

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 28, 2018

Smith's mistake is he came out clean. Had he denied, like the players in the past did, only Bancroft would have been fined. Feeling sorry for both Smith and Warner. Cricket for at least 12 months will be without two great players. #BallTamperingRow

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) March 28, 2018

So with the one year ban on Smith and Warner and also a 2 year captaincy ban on both, think India will be favourites when they tour Australia later this year. Wonder, who will captain Australia at the World Cup. Aaron Finch ?

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 28, 2018