Mir finished his career playing for Norfolk

Former Pakistan international and Norfolk cricketer Pervez Mir says it is unthinkable to ban a player without proof of wrongdoing.

Mir's comments come after the alleged betting scandal involving three Pakistani cricketers.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif have all been left out of their country's upcoming match with Somerset.

Mir told BBC Radio Norfolk: "Why should they be withdrawn on the basis of an alleged report. Where is the proof?"

Mir played for Pakistan in the 1975 World Cup as well as representing Norfolk in the 1970s and 1980s in the Minor Counties Championship.

Let's not punish someone in the media before they've had their trial Former Pakistan player Pervez Mir

The 56-year-old went on to add that if the allegations are proved to be true, the whole national squad should not suffer.

"It's got nothing to do with the Pakistan cricket team," he said. "You have to look at individuals and if they are found guilty they're the ones that are the bad eggs and should be banned or removed.

"Illegal betting and match fixing is something that is unacceptable. If the players are guilty then punish them, but then at the same time let's not punish someone in the media before they've had their trial."

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