‘Clicky Ponting’ banned for two years as Saltburn CC relegated
- Brian Devine banned from cricket for two years until September 2028.
- Saltburn CC relegated following a 60-point deduction and £300 fine.
- Video evidence showed Devine snapping his fingers to mimic an edge.
- Further investigation revealed a record-breaking eight-catch match performance.
- Middlesbrough CC retains its place in the league after the sanctions.
Amateur cricketer Brian Devine, 38, has been banned from all cricket under the England & Wales Cricket Board for two years until 29 September 2028 following a cheating scandal.
The club also received a £300 fine and will start the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction. Consequently, Middlesbrough CC retained their place in the league after previously dropping to Division Three.
The disciplinary action forces a demotion and a points deficit for the amateur side, impacting their standing in the league for the upcoming season.
Finger-clicking incident caught on video
A video captured Devine snapping his fingers as the ball went past an opposing batter to mimic the sound of an edge. The footage showed a keeper and slip appeal during the match, while the batter appeared bemused as the umpire raised his finger.
The Norton CC player who posted the video described the incident as "the worst case of cheating" he had ever seen.
Evidence of further misconduct in Saltburn match
Further evidence of misconduct emerged from a Saltburn match against Shildon Railway CC. During the fixture, the Saltburn wicketkeeper took eight catches, exceeding the Test innings record of seven.
Disciplinary process and club response
After player interviews, written statements, and a three-person disciplinary panel review, both Devine and Saltburn CC accepted the misconduct charges.
The club initially appealed against their sanction before later accepting the fine and point deduction. Saltburn CC stated it fully participated in the disciplinary process and is now concentrating on preparations for the 2027 season.
Public and media reaction to the scandal
Public figure Piers Morgan criticised the incident. Sam Perry of The Grade Cricketer said, "For over a decade we have celebrated and benefited from the low‑rent charm of club cricket’s rich, dark underbelly, alongside hundreds of thousands of people around the world".
Ian Higgins, also of The Grade Cricketer, remarked that while some members at Saltburn CC appeared to have engaged in "comically sharp practice," he felt a "brotherly obligation" to support the club. Higgins added that when figures like Morgan declare to millions that the player is a cheat, the sense of proportionality is lost.
Comparison to international cricket bans
The two-year ban for Devine follows high-profile disciplinary actions in the professional game. For comparison, former Australian captains Steve Smith and David Warner each received 12-month bans for the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
League statement on online abuse
The league issued a statement recognising the strain on people who were abused online and in person during the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 2-year ban for ‘Clicky Ponting’, England club relegated with 60-point deduction | Cricket News - The Times of India (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
- ‘Clicky Ponting’ cheating scandal cricketer banned and club relegated (theguardian.com)
- England amateur cricketer banned 2 years in cheating scandal - Yahoo Sports (sports.yahoo.com)
- 'Clicky Ponting' cheat-row cricketer banned from club cricket for two years (cricinfo.com)
- The Grade Cricketer (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
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