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Steve Smith and David Warner "got away with murder" and should have had their ball-tampering bans doubled, according to West Indian great Sir Curtly Ambrose.

If cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose had his way, Steve Smith and David Warner would still be suspended over the South African sandpaper episode.

The former West Indian quick says Smith and Warner, whose year-long ball-tampering bans expired on March 29, "got away with murder" for their roles in the scandal.

Australia's former captain and vice-captain are currently searching for runs in the Indian Premier League in a bid to break back into the squad for this year's World Cup and Ashes tour.

Ambrose, one of 15 bowlers in history to claim more than 400 Test wickets, would take no pleasure in depriving the duo of those opportunities and another 12 months of their careers.

But the 55-year-old says their offences weren't matched the suspension metered out by Cricket Australia.

"When you break the law like that you should be punished," Ambrose said on Fox Sports News show Bill and Boz.

"I honestly thought they got away with murder. A year was a little bit (lenient). I would have said two years just to send a message because it was stupid really."

But Ambrose said he doesn't hold ill-filling toward either Smith or Warner, noting the pair had shown remorse for their involvement.

"I believe they will never do it again," he said.

"I just hope that all of Australia supports them and I hope that they go to the World Cup because they'll make the team stronger."

Ambrose's comments follow ex-South African skipper Graeme Smith's shot at Warner, claiming the polarising opener's ego needs to be kept in check once he returns to the Australian team.