Saltburn's second cricket team has forfeited a scheduled cup match following a significant backlash related to alleged cheating. The North Yorkshire and South Durham League club will consequently lose its place in the competition. The team was set to play Marton seconds on Wednesday evening.
The controversy centers on Saltburn fielder Brian Devine, who has been nicknamed 'Clicky Ponting' on social media. Devine is accused of clicking his fingers to imitate the sound of the ball hitting the bat, an action purportedly aimed at deceiving umpires into giving batsmen out.
A source close to the league indicated that Saltburn players likely wished to avoid the intense scrutiny associated with the ongoing situation. The forfeiture means Marton will advance in the competition. For serious players within the Saltburn club, this outcome is considered a significant setback.
Devine, a 38-year-old father of one, has reportedly expressed bewilderment at the global attention surrounding the allegations. Friends have described his state of mind as "all over the place" and that the reaction has "knocked him sideways." Devine has declined to comment, and his mobile number was removed from his employer's website. Saltburn Cricket Club has not yet issued a statement regarding the allegations.
The furore gained prominence after Norton batsman Noman Shabir was given out caught behind. Shabir insisted he had not touched the ball, and video footage appeared to show Devine clicking his fingers as the ball passed the bat. Shabir stated that such incidents seemed to have occurred in multiple games, coinciding with Saltburn's strong performance in the league.
Other teams have also raised concerns about dismissals. One team captain recalled three batsmen being given out caught behind in a match, with all three players claiming they did not hit the ball. The captain also noted that Saltburn's wicketkeeper, Josh Bowes, has recorded 34 catches this season, nearly double the tally of the next highest wicketkeeper in the league.
Saltburn is scheduled to play Marton again in a league match on Saturday. It remains uncertain how this fixture will proceed.
