akistani protesters burn the photographs of former Pakistani cricketers Salman Butt and Mohmmad Asif during a protest in Multan. -Photo by AFP

KARACHI: Former players and family members of guilty Pakistan players on Thursday said the whole episode was sad and should serve as a harsh lesson for the sport’s administrators and future players.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Salman Butt, bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer, and their corrupt agent, have all been jailed for their part in a fixing scandal which has rocked the international game to its core.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said the sentences were due.

“I think they deserved this punishment, they had it due. But now the Pakistan government and Pakistan cricket board should also take action against them and the matter should serve as a lesson,” Latif told AFP.

“These convictions will hopefully serve as a deterrent to others in future because cricket should not be allowed to be corrupted by anyone and that is very serious for all of us,” said Latif, known for blowing the whistle on another fixing scam in 1995.

Another former captain Intikhab Alam said it was a sad state of affairs.

“I would call it a black day for Pakistan cricket,” said Alam, also a former manager and coach. “I feel sad for these boys because I have spent so much time with them but what they have done they must pay for it.”

They have let their families and the whole nation and million of fans down, which is very shocking.”Former player and selector Salahuddin Ahmed said Pakistan government should also initiate action against the guilty players.

“I think they deserved this and Pakistan government should also take action because they have let the whole nation down. I think the greed of money prompted them to do this,” said Ahmed.

Former captain Moin Khan said the matter saddened the whole nation.

“It is a sad for us and for the whole country, and tragic day for Pakistan cricket but one hopes it will also result in a new beginning for Pakistan cricket, everyone feels for their families,” said Khan.

However, Butt’s father Zulfiqar said his son was wrongly implicated.

“I am convinced and will do my best to prove that my son has been implicated and made a scapegoat,” said Zulfiqar.