The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League is investigating allegations of cheating following a viral social media video that appears to show a fielder deceiving an umpire. The incident occurred during a Division Two match where Saltburn, the league leaders, defeated Norton.
The video in question shows a Saltburn fielder appearing to click his fingers as the ball passes the bat of Norton batter Noman Shabir before being caught by wicketkeeper Josh Bowes. Shabir was given out, but his protest to the umpire is visible in the footage. The league confirmed it has received a formal complaint and has initiated a full investigation.
"The league have received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday," the NYSD League said in a statement posted on X. "A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made."
Saltburn won the match by 159 runs and maintains a significant lead at the top of the Division Two table. The controversy has gained international attention, with the incident reportedly making headlines in countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA.
Rory Cotterill, captain of Middlesbrough's second XI, has claimed that two further instances of cheating by Saltburn occurred in his side's match against them last month. The Press Association has reached out to the NYSD League and Saltburn for comment, while Norton has declined to comment.