By Basant El-Faramawy
Club cricketer Brian Devine, known online as “Clicky Ponting,” has been banned from all cricket for two years after a disciplinary panel found he deliberately clicked his fingers to deceive an umpire into giving a catch behind.
Two-year ban and club sanctions
The England and Wales Cricket Board ban, effective until the end of the 2028 season, covers playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams. Devine’s club, Saltburn Cricket Club, accepted misconduct charges and saw its second XI relegated from Division Two to Division Three of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League. The club was also fined £300 and the second XI will begin the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction.
Viral footage sparked investigation
The case originated in July when footage from a league match showed Devine clicking his fingers in the field, leading the umpire to rule a Norton batter out caught behind. The clip went viral, earning Devine the nickname referencing former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. Further examples of the practice emerged online, prompting a league investigation involving player interviews, written statements and video review by a three-person panel.
League and club respond
The NYSDCL acknowledged the strain the scandal placed on volunteers and those subjected to online and personal abuse, stating the formal process is now complete. Saltburn CC said it fully participated in the proceedings and accepted the appeal decision, adding that the club is now focusing on preparations for the 2027 season.
