Cricketer banned for two years after ‘Clicky Ponting’ scandal

An amateur cricketer has been banned for two years and Saltburn Cricket Club’s second XI relegated after an investigation into a viral video in which he appeared to fake the sound of a ball hitting a batter’s edge.

Brian Devine, who was playing at slip for Saltburn’s second XI against Norton in a North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League Division Two match in July, clicked his fingers as the ball passed batter Noman Shabir. Shabir was caught by wicketkeeper Josh Bowes and given out.

The league said Devine’s ban applies to all cricket under the England and Wales Cricket Board’s jurisdiction until 29 September 2028. He is barred from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring or managing junior teams during that period.

Saltburn’s second XI will begin the 2027 season in Division Three with a 60-point deduction, and the club has been fined £300. The league said both Devine and the club admitted charges. Devine accepted his punishment; Saltburn appealed against the sanctions imposed on the club.

The league said it received complaints about the conduct of Devine and Saltburn in multiple matches. Its investigation, conducted with the club’s co-operation, included player interviews, written statements and a review of video footage. Although only Devine was sanctioned, the league said it believed other Saltburn players were involved.

Saltburn’s relegation gives Middlesbrough’s second XI a reprieve after it finished 11th in the 12-team division. Saltburn’s first XI had already been relegated from the league’s Premier League after finishing 11th.

The league said the case had placed strain on people, particularly those abused online and in person, and asked the public to respect the end of the formal process. BBC Sport said it had contacted Devine and Saltburn for comment.