Cricketer banned for two years after 'Clicky Ponting' cheating scandal

Summarised from TeessideLive's report · Updated 5 Nov, 22:34 · Archive

A Teesside cricketer has been banned for two years after being caught clicking to fool an umpire.

Brian Devine of Saltburn CC second XI has been banned from all cricket under the ECB's jurisdiction for two years following a cheating scandal that went viral in July. Footage showed Devine clicking as a ball passed a Norton batsman's bat, apparently to fool the umpire into thinking there had been an edge. The Norton player was given out. Earlier footage from previous Saltburn matches appeared to show Devine using the same technique repeatedly.

The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League launched an investigation after the incident went public. Disciplinary proceedings concluded with an appeal on October 26. Devine's ban runs from September 30, 2026 to September 29, 2028 and covers playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams.

Saltburn CC also faced sanctions: a £300 fine, relegation of their second XI to the third division and a 60-point deduction for the 2027 season. As a result, Middlesbrough CC's second XI will retain their place in Division Two after previously being confirmed as relegated. Saltburn CC said the club fully participated in the disciplinary proceedings and accepted the decision.

Read the report

• Player banned and club relegated after viral 'Clicky Ponting' Teesside cricket scandalBrian Devine of Saltburn CC second XI was caught clicking at first slip to imitate a ball being edged by a batTeessideLive · 5 Nov, 20:35

In this story: Brian Devine · Saltburn CC · Norton · Teesside · Middlesbrough CC · North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League

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