Never forget that at the time of his criminal activities Salman Butt was captaining his country. Never forget that he was at the pinnacle of his career and at the top of a huge cricket community in a nation of 180 million people. Never forget that cricket is one of the few consolations available to the poor of that nation. Never forget that Pakistan is a troubled country with a fractured history, and that cricket is its national game. The scale of the betrayal is numbing.

Never forget that Butt took money not for his team or his country but for himself, to fill an already bulging back pocket. Captains can be unscrupulous in their pursuit of victory but they are supposed to put the team first. Never forget that he was a leader with young players under his wing, including the most promising fast bowler in the world.

Questions … Pakistan's Mohammad Amir is congratulated after dismissing Australia's Shane Watson during the first Test at Lord's in 2010. Police now suspect there were attempts to fix the game. Credit:Reuters

Never forget that the same teenager was himself corrupted, and is now suspended and convicted. Mohammad Amir is responsible for his actions but he was also led astray. At least he pleaded guilty and took his punishment. Alone among the culprits he deserves some sympathy.

Never forget that Butt is wealthy and educated. Others might come from impoverished rural villages but he is a sophisticate. Not that poverty excuses corruption but it does make it more understandable. Never forget that Butt took late-night phone calls from a staggeringly indiscreet fixer. He danced to the tune not of his country's needs but his own desires.