A club cricketer who gained viral notoriety as “Clicky Ponting” has been handed a two-year ban from the sport following a cheating scandal that drew global attention. Brian Devine, 38, was accused of deceiving an umpire during the English summer by clicking his fingers to simulate the sound of a ball edging off a bat. The incident, which occurred in Division Two of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League (NYSDCL), saw Devine attempt to trick officials during a match against Norton CC. In the clip, Devine was seen clicking his fingers in the field and successfully tricking the umpire into believing a Norton CC batter had edged a catch behind. The NYSDCL looked to draw a line under the matter and acknowledge the impact it had on a volunteer-run club that found itself the subject of widespread condemnation and global headlines, in a statement.
Following the emergence of video footage that showed the maneuver, Devine was provisionally suspended by his club for the remainder of the 2026 season. Further investigations revealed additional instances of the practice being used by the player. A three-person disciplinary panel, having reviewed statements and footage, confirmed that both Devine and Saltburn CC accepted charges of misconduct. As well as a new nickname – a nod to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting – it saw Devine provisionally suspended by his club for the remainder of the 2026 season while an investigation was undertaken by the league. Further examples of the practice subsequently emerged and were circulated widely online.
Under the sanctions imposed by the England and Wales Cricket Board, Devine is prohibited from all cricket activities, including playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring, and managing junior teams, until the conclusion of the 2028 season. Saltburn CC also faced significant penalties; after an appeal, the club was fined £300, and their 2nd XI was relegated to Division Three of the NYSDCL. Furthermore, the 2nd XI will begin the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction, a measure that allows previously relegated Middlesbrough CC to retain their position in Division Two.
In a formal statement, the NYSDCL expressed a desire to move forward from the controversy, acknowledging the significant strain the situation placed on volunteers and individuals who faced both online and in-person abuse. The league noted that the formal disciplinary process is now complete.
Saltburn CC confirmed it participated fully in the proceedings and accepted the outcomes of the appeal. The club indicated that its primary focus is now the preparations for the 2027 season.
