Saltburn Cricket Club has suspended a player, identified as Brian Devine and nicknamed 'Clicky Ponting' on social media, following allegations of cheating during matches. The club confirmed the ban in a statement released after video clips of the alleged incidents gained widespread attention.
Devine is accused of clicking his fingers while fielding to mimic the sound of the ball hitting a batter's bat, a tactic intended to deceive umpires into giving batters out when no contact was made. The North Yorkshire and South Durham League has received a formal complaint and initiated a full investigation into the alleged incidents, which reportedly occurred in a Division Two game on July 25, 2026. The club stated it is treating the allegation with the utmost seriousness and is cooperating with the league's investigation.
"The player at the centre of the complaint has been suspended and will not play again for the Club this season or in the foreseeable future, pending the outcome of this investigation," the club's statement read. "Initial discussions have already taken place between Club officials and the league."
Footage of the alleged deception began circulating online, with viewers subsequently reviewing archives and uncovering numerous similar incidents, suggesting the practice may have occurred over an extended period. One video, posted by an amateur cricketer, was described as "about the worst case of cheating I have ever seen in cricket" and quickly garnered millions of views. Another report highlighted two further incidents during a game on Saturday, June 27, which allegedly led to young players being unfairly dismissed.
Devine, 38, has reportedly expressed bewilderment at the global attention his alleged actions have attracted. Friends described him as being "knocked sideways" by the outrage. He has declined to comment, and his professional contact information has been removed from his employer's website. The club has requested respect for personal boundaries, noting it is an amateur club run by volunteers and that the situation has been distressing for all involved.
Some public figures, including Piers Morgan, have condemned the alleged behavior as "outrageous cheating" and a "shameful scam." The club has stated it will make no further comment until the league's investigation is complete.