Brian Devine, an amateur cricketer playing for Saltburn second XI, has been banned for two years until 29 September 2028 for his role in the viral 'Clicky Ponting' cheating scandal. Devine was filmed clicking his fingers to mimic the sound of the ball taking an edge during a North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League Division Two match against Norton in July.
The NYSD investigation found Devine and Saltburn admitted the charges. Saltburn's second XI have been relegated from Division Two and will begin the 2027 season in Division Three with a 60-point deduction. The club has also been fined £300. Devine is barred from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring or managing junior teams for the duration of his ban.
In the footage, Devine appears to click as the ball passes Noman Shabir's bat before wicketkeeper Josh Bowes takes the catch. The umpire gave Shabir out, and the clip went viral globally. The relegation hands a reprieve to Middlesbrough's second XI, who finished 11th in the 12-team league. Saltburn's first XI had already been relegated from the NYSD Premier League.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing