'Clicky Ponting' club cricketer banned for two years after Saltburn cheating scandal

Brian Devine found himself making headlines across the world this summer when he was caught apparently clicking his fingers at first slip during a match for Saltburn Cricket Club's second XI to trick the umpire into thinking the batsman had edged the ball.

Devine was given the nickname 'Clicky Ponting' in reference to the former Australia captain, Ricky Ponting, with the North Yorkshire and South Durham league launching an investigation.

There were further complaints regarding previous matches and the investigation, which included player interviews, written statements and a detailed review of video footage, took a number of weeks.

Devine and Saltburn admitted the subsequent charges but appealed against the sanction, with a separate panel heard on October 26 and now concluded.

Devine has been suspended from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams at all levels until September 29, 2028 while Saltburn have been fined £300.

Their second XI have been relegated to division three of the league and will start the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction. Middlesbrough Cricket Club 2nd XI will retain their place in Division Two.

In a statement reported on gazettelive.co.uk , Saltburn said: "The club fully participated in the disciplinary proceedings and accept the decision of the appeal following the original decision from the league. We are now focusing on preparations for the 2027 season."

In a statement to Sky Sports , the North Yorkshire and South Durham league said: "The league recognises the strain this has placed on many people, especially those who were abused online and in person.

"We ask everyone to respect that the formal process is now complete. The league will make no further comment."

Saltburn Cricket Club found itself under investigation by North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League earlier in the summer after footage of an alleged incident during a second division game against Norton Cricket Club on July 25 went viral.

Norton Cricket Club's Norman Shabir was at the crease and was given out on his first delivery from bowler Sam Morrison.

It appeared to pass by Shabir before travelling to wicketkeeper Josh Bowes, who took the catch.

But just as the ball passed Shabir's bat, Devine, standing at first slip, appears to click his fingers, in an attempt to deceive the umpire the ball had taken a nick off his bat.

Shabir was then given out by the umpire, and proceeded to plead his case with the official before walking off the pitch.

The video has since gained over 7.5m views online and Devine was later dubbed 'Clicky Ponting'.

At the time, Saltburn had been top of the Division Two table, having won 10 of their 15 matches last season.

Earlier in the month, Saltburn sealed a 22-run victory against Shildon Railway Cricket Club. During that match their wicketkeeper took eight catches. No Test wicketkeeper has taken more than seven catches in an innings.

The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League later launched an investigation.

"This is issued in response to the widely publicised complaint made against a Saltburn Cricket Club member and, as a consequence, against the club more generally," a statement on the league's social media channels read.

"We are treating this allegation with the utmost seriousness and, as a family-centric club, we are fully cooperating with the NYS League's investigation.

"We believe that the club acted decisively as soon as the complaint and investigation were made known to us. The player at the centre of the complaint has been suspended and will not play again for the club this season or in the foreseeable future, pending the outcome of this investigation."

The league later announced that it had met with Saltburn officials and had received guidence from the England and Wales Cricket Board.It also expressed it's "concern for the welfare of those at Saltburn Cricket Club".

When contacted by the Daily Mail , Devine said: "Naturally, I cannot comment on that. I also cannot answer any questions because I am currently at work."

Meanwhile, further footage emerged allegedly showing Devine, playing for Pudsey St Lawrence in the Bradford Premier League, repeatedly clicking his fingers while opposition players were batting.

Pudsey St Lawrence said in a statement on Thursday: "At no stage was the club aware of any alleged misconduct by Mr Devine, nor were any concerns or complaints raised with the club by opposition teams or umpires who officiated the fixtures in question.

"The club expects its players to uphold the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship and takes any credible concerns extremely seriously."

Banton: 'Clicky Ponting' kind of clever but not acceptable

Speaking on the matter, former England and Somerset player Tom Banton said:

"It's interesting, kind of clever in a way. But I cannot vouch for things like that, it's not acceptable," Banton said.

"It's been caught out and something is going to be done about it because I'm not sure it's in the rules of cricket."