Brian Devine banned from cricket for two years over 'Clicky Ponting' cheating

The sanctions

Brian Devine, a 38-year-old club cricketer, has been banned from all cricket for two years after a disciplinary process run by the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League. The sanctions were announced on Friday, 6 November, after Devine and Saltburn Cricket Club accepted misconduct charges. A three-person disciplinary panel reached its decision following player interviews, written statements and a review of the footage. Devine's suspension runs under the England and Wales Cricket Board until the end of the 2028 season.

Penalties for the club

Saltburn was fined £300 (€360) after appealing its original sanction, and its second XI has been relegated to Division Three. That side will start the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction. Middlesbrough CC, which had already been relegated, kept its place in Division Two. Saltburn said it fully took part in the proceedings and accepted the outcome of the appeal, adding that it is now focusing on preparations for 2027.

How the scandal began

Footage from a Division Two match in the North Yorkshire and South Durham league went viral in July. It showed Devine clicking his fingers at first slip to persuade the umpire that a Norton CC batter had edged a catch behind. The nickname 'Clicky Ponting' is a reference to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. Saltburn provisionally suspended Devine for the rest of the 2026 season while the league investigated, and further examples of the practice later circulated online.

Reaction

The league addressed the matter in a statement that acknowledged its impact on a volunteer-run club.

“The League recognises the strain this has placed on many people, especially those who were abused online and in person.”

The league also asked people to accept that its formal process has now concluded.