Amateur Brian Devine has been handed a two-year ban from cricket for his role in the 'Clicky Ponting' affair, the BBC reported. Devine was penalised for deliberately mimicking the sound of a ball clipping a bat during a match in an attempt to deceive the umpire.
The incident occurred in July in a North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League (NYSD) second division match between Saltburn and Norton. Devine, who was playing for Saltburn's second XI at slip, clicked his fingers to imitate the sound of a ball hitting the bat. Footage of the match shows Devine clicking his fingers as the ball passes Noman Shabir's bat, after which the ball was caught by wicketkeeper Josh Bowes. Saltburn protested, and the umpire declared Shabir out.
The footage went viral on social media and attracted media attention worldwide. As a result, the NYSD launched disciplinary proceedings against Devine and the club. Devine has been banned from all forms of cricket under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board until 29 September 2028. During the two-year ban, he is prohibited from playing, coaching, umpiring, keeping score or managing junior teams.
The NYSD confirmed it had received complaints regarding the conduct of Devine and Saltburn in several matches. Both the player and the club admitted guilt. Devine accepted the sanction, while Saltburn appealed against its. Devine is the only player sanctioned, but the NYSD believes other members of the Saltburn team were involved.
Saltburn's second XI has been relegated from the second division and will start the 2027 season in the third division with a 60-point deduction. The club was fined £300. The relegation of Saltburn's second XI means the retention of Middlesbrough's second XI, which finished 11th in the 12-team league. Saltburn's first XI had already been relegated from the NYSD Premier League after finishing 11th.
