The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has stated it has "genuine concern for the welfare" of members at Saltburn Cricket Club amid global attention on a recent finger-clicking controversy. The league is investigating an alleged incident that has led to a player being suspended by the club.
A video circulating on social media captured a second XI Division 2 game between Saltburn and Norton, appearing to show Saltburn fielder Brian Devine clicking his fingers in an attempt to deceive an umpire into giving a Norton batter out. The league confirmed on Monday that it had begun an investigation into Devine.
Saltburn Cricket Club announced on Wednesday that the player involved has been suspended and will not play for the club for the "foreseeable future," pending the outcome of the investigation. The club emphasized that it acted decisively once the complaint and investigation were made known to them. Saltburn noted that the situation has been "very distressing and stressful" for all involved, highlighting that it is an amateur club run entirely by volunteers and requested that personal boundaries be respected.
The league is treating the allegations of cheating with "the utmost seriousness." In a statement released on Friday, the league called for the "rights of all parties" to be observed, especially in light of intense social media scrutiny. The league stated its aim to provide any necessary wellbeing support to those at Saltburn Cricket Club. It stressed the importance of natural justice and the right to a fair hearing for any individual or entity involved, warning that anything less could prejudice formal actions.
The incident has been informally dubbed 'Clicky Ponting,' a play on the name of former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting. The league acknowledged the widespread interest generated by the issue in the press and media but reiterated the imperative need for due process.