Cricketer Known as 'Clicky Ponting' Banned for Two Years Following Cheating Scandal

A club cricketer who gained international notoriety as 'Clicky Ponting' has been issued a two-year ban from all cricket activities. The sanction follows an investigation into his conduct during a North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League match, where he was filmed using a deceptive finger-clicking technique to falsely claim a catch. The incident, which occurred during a Division Two match against Norton CC, saw the player trick the umpire into ruling a batter out, sparking widespread online condemnation.

The Rise of Clicky Ponting

Brian Devine, the player at the center of the controversy, saw his actions go viral in July. The nickname, a sarcastic reference to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, was adopted by online observers after footage showed Devine clicking his fingers to simulate the sound of a ball hitting a bat. Following the initial viral clip, further instances of the behavior were identified and circulated. The league initiated an investigation, during which Devine was provisionally suspended by Saltburn CC for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Following a series of interviews and a formal review of the evidence by a three-person disciplinary panel, both the player and the club accepted misconduct charges. The England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed that Devine is banned from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring, and managing junior teams until the conclusion of the 2028 season.

Brian Devine is banned from all cricket until 2028 and Saltburn CC 2nd XI has been relegated.

Saltburn CC also faced significant consequences for the incident. Following an appeal against their initial sanction, the club was fined £300, and their 2nd XI team was relegated to Division Three. Additionally, the team will begin the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction. As a result of these changes, Middlesbrough CC, which had been previously relegated, will retain its position in Division Two.

In a formal statement, the league expressed a desire to move forward, acknowledging the immense pressure the scandal placed on the volunteer-run club. The league noted the distress caused to individuals who faced abuse both online and in person, urging the public to respect the finality of the disciplinary process. Saltburn CC confirmed their full cooperation with the proceedings and stated they accept the final decision reached by the appeal panel.

Why it matters

The disciplinary action serves as a definitive conclusion to a scandal that brought global scrutiny to grassroots cricket. It highlights the strict enforcement of integrity standards within the sport and the severe repercussions clubs face when misconduct is proven.

For the local cricketing community, this decision marks the end of a turbulent period. The relegation and point deductions significantly alter the league standings, directly impacting the competitive future of Saltburn CC while providing relief to other clubs affected by the initial results.