By Basant El-Faramawy
Club cricketer Brian Devine, nicknamed “Clicky Ponting,” has been banned from all cricket for two years after accepting a misconduct charge for his role in a cheating scandal.
Finger-clicking incident goes viral
Footage from a North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League Division Two match in July showed Devine, fielding at slip for Saltburn Cricket Club’s Second XI, clicking his fingers as the ball passed the bat. The action tricked an umpire into ruling a batter out caught behind. The clip spread widely on social media, earning the 38-year-old the nickname in reference to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.
Club and player accept charges
Following an investigation by the league, both Devine and Saltburn CC accepted misconduct charges. The ban, imposed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), covers playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams.
Sanctions for Saltburn CC
Saltburn’s Second XI have been relegated to the third division and will start next season with a 60-point deduction after appealing their sanction. Middlesbrough CC have been reinstated to Division Two.
Saltburn CC said it fully participated in the disciplinary process and accepted the appeal decision, adding it is now focusing on preparations for the 2027 season. The league acknowledged the strain placed on those involved and asked for respect now that the formal process is complete.
