Amateur cricketer Brian Devine, known as 'Clicky Ponting,' is facing scrutiny over allegations that he used a finger-clicking tactic to deceive umpires and dismiss three opposing batsmen during a crucial title-deciding match in 2023. The incident occurred when Devine captained his former club, Pudsey St Lawrence, in a 50-over derby against Pudsey Congs. The match was the final fixture of the season, and Pudsey St Lawrence needed a decisive victory to secure the Bradford Premier League second-tier championship. Devine was reportedly playing his last game for the club at the time.
Footage from the match, which was live-streamed, appears to show Devine clicking his fingers in a manner that mimicked the sound of a ball hitting a bat. This occurred just as the ball passed the batsman's bat and into the wicketkeeper's gloves. In each of the three instances, the umpire gave the batsman out. Opposing players have expressed that the dismissals seemed questionable, with one player reportedly shaking his head in disbelief.
These revelations follow earlier reports that Devine's alleged antics have been occurring for at least five years. Footage from a Bradford Premier League match in August 2021 has also surfaced, showing similar finger-clicking actions. Rival teams have called for the Bradford Premier League to launch a formal investigation, with some suggesting Pudsey St Lawrence should be stripped of its 2023 title.
One source told the Daily Mail that analysis of film and scorebooks indicates Devine has been employing this tactic for years, potentially affecting match results and limiting opportunities for other players. The source also raised questions about the awareness of club staff and teammates regarding Devine's actions.
Just days before these new details emerged, Devine was suspended indefinitely by his current club, Saltburn CC. This suspension came after accusations that he used his clicking technique to trick umpires in a match against Norton Cricket Club. Video footage of that incident went viral, drawing condemnation from international cricket commentators.
Devine, who is a company secretary and financial manager, has not yet commented on the allegations. Pudsey St Lawrence, a club founded in 1845 with a history of producing notable cricketers, stated that they were unaware of any issues with Devine's behavior during his tenure and that no concerns were raised by opponents or officials at the time. The club acknowledged that the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League and Saltburn Cricket Club are currently investigating the matter.