‘Clicky Ponting’ Hit With Two-Year Cricket Ban as Club Pays Heavy Price for Viral Cheating Scandal

An amateur cricketer whose unusual on-field behaviour sparked an international cricket controversy has been banned from the sport for two years, while his club has suffered relegation and a significant points deduction.

Brian Devine, the Saltburn Cricket Club player widely nicknamed “Clicky Ponting,” was handed the suspension following a disciplinary investigation into allegations that he deliberately clicked his fingers to imitate the sound of a cricket ball touching a batter’s edge.

The controversy first erupted in July 2026 after footage from a match between Saltburn’s second team and Norton Cricket Club spread rapidly across social media.

In the video, Devine appeared to click his fingers just as the ball passed the batter. The wicketkeeper then caught the ball, and the umpire gave the batter out, apparently believing he had edged it.

The incident attracted millions of views and prompted cricket fans to examine footage from previous matches. The nickname “Clicky Ponting” emerged as a reference to former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting.

Devine’s punishment is a two-year ban from all cricket activities under the England and Wales Cricket Board’s jurisdiction. The suspension runs from September 30, 2026, until September 29, 2028, preventing him from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring or managing junior teams during that period.

Saltburn Cricket Club has also faced serious consequences. Its second team has been relegated to the third division and will begin the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction. The club was additionally fined £300.

The disciplinary process reportedly involved player interviews, written statements and a detailed examination of video footage. The league concluded its proceedings following an appeal on October 26.

In a statement, Saltburn Cricket Club said it had fully participated in the disciplinary proceedings and accepted the appeal decision. The club added that it was now focusing on preparations for the 2027 season.

The scandal had already caused significant disruption for the amateur club. Saltburn previously suspended Devine after the allegations emerged and conceded a scheduled match amid the controversy.

The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League also acknowledged the strain the investigation had placed on those involved, asking people to respect their privacy and personal boundaries.

What began as a disputed moment in a local cricket match has now resulted in one of the most unusual disciplinary stories in recent amateur cricket, with both the player and his club facing lasting consequences.

Source:  DAILYMAIL