'Clicky Ponting' cheating scandal cricketer banned from sport for two years
Also reported by Guardian World
Summary
Amateur cricketer Brian Devine received a two-year ban from cricket under the England and Wales Cricket Board after an investigation into finger-clicking during a match, which appeared to imitate the sound of a bat hitting the ball. Saltburn’s second XI was relegated, fined £300 and given a 60-point deduction after the club admitted charges and appealed its punishment.Key Facts
- Devine played for Saltburn’s second XI in a July match against Norton in the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League’s Division Two.
- Video showed Devine clicking his fingers as the ball passed Noman Shabir’s bat before Shabir was caught by wicketkeeper Josh Bowes.
- The umpire gave Shabir out after Saltburn appealed.
- Devine is banned from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring or managing junior teams until 29 September 2028.
- The league said it investigated complaints about conduct in multiple matches, using interviews, written statements and video footage.
- Devine and Saltburn admitted the charges; Devine accepted his punishment, while the club appealed its sanctions.
- Saltburn’s second XI will start the 2027 season in Division Three with a 60-point deduction, and the club was fined £300.
- The relegation gives Middlesbrough’s second XI a reprieve after it finished 11th in the 12-team Division Two.
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