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'Not called for': Sammy defends Smith

Media coverage of Steve Smith is over the top, his new Toronto teammate declares

Former West Indies skipper Darren Sammy has criticised recent media coverage surrounding Steve Smith ahead of the Australian's comeback to cricket on Friday morning (AEST).

Smith will play for the Toronto Nationals in the opening game of the Global T20 Canada league, his first competitive match since he was handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia for his role in the South African ball-tampering saga.

The 29-year-old was this week photographed in New York City en route to Canada, with an accompanying article drawing criticism online for describing Smith as looking "forlorn" as he enjoyed a beer in a Manhattan bar.

Sammy, Smith's Toronto captain, said the recent coverage was over the top and it was time to move on.

"That's not called for," Sammy said about the New York article. "You've made your point.

"I think, as sportsmen, we want to do the right things, set the example for the next generation.

"We will make mistakes, but it doesn't mean you've got to keep kicking a man when he's down. That's not the humane way to do things, and I think there's a right to punish but there's also a right to forgive and move on.

"As a Christian, you commit sins, there are punishments for your sins. (It) doesn't mean everything is okay, but there's always forgiveness after you've committed your sins and paid the price, and you move on."

Smith will play alongside Sammy and West Indian star Kieron Pollard against a Vancouver Knights side led by Chris Gayle and featuring Windies allrounder Andre Russell, Aussie spinner Fawad Ahmed and Kiwi quick Tim Southee.

Smith's former vice-captain David Warner will also play in the tournament alongside the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Ben McDermott for the Winnipeg Hawks.

Gayle, who has previously stated his belief that the one-year bans handed to Smith and Warner were "harsh", also called for the cricket community to move on.

"They've already paid a penalty for what they've done, and just for them to go on with their lives and have some fun, just like any other cricketer,” he said.

"People make mistakes, you have to give people a chance, and everybody should have to try (move) on from this situation, and rest it to the grave."

The inaugural staging of the six-team Global T20 Canada league will be played at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club, some 50 kilometres north of Toronto.

Smith's Nationals will face the Knights from 6am (AEST) on Friday morning, with the match to be shown live on Fox Sports.

Warner will make his debut for Winnipeg against Montreal Tigers 24 hours later.