‘Clicky Ponting’ is SUSPENDED for ‘foreseeable future’ & cricket club forfeits next game after ‘cheating’ storm

THE cricket player at the centre of a cheating probe – dubbed “Clicky Ponting” – has been suspended and will not play again in the near future, his club has announced. Outrage began after clips appeared to show player Brian Devine clicking his fingers to fake wickets during a league match for Saltburn in North Yorkshire. Cricketer Brian Devine is at the heart of the clicking scandal Credit: X A video of Devine allegedly cheating has sparked viral controversy Credit: X As more videos emerged of Devine using the “illegal” move and the amateur club accused of “years of cheating”, Saltburn second Xl have conceded their forthcoming match. The original controversy was sparked by a clip appearing to show slip fielder Devine clicking his fingers moments before wicketkeeper Josh Bowes takes a catch against Norton 2nd XI on Saturday. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! With over six million views, punters claimed the clicking noise was used to trick umpires into believing batsmen had edged the ball. The clip was posted by amateur cricketer Ben Mummery earlier this week, who dubbed it “about the worst case of cheating I have ever seen in cricket”. More clips have emerged of ‘Clicky Ponting’ using the ‘illegal’ tactic Credit: Facebook In the wake of the backlash, the amateur club have forfeited their next game Credit: Facebook In a statement, Saltburn Cricket Club, said Devine would not play for them for the “foreseeable future”. Bosses added: “We are treating this allegation with the utmost seriousness and, as a family-centric Club, we are fully cooperating with the league’s investigation. “We believe that the Club acted decisively as soon as the complaint and investigation were made known to us. “The player at the centre of the complaint has been suspended and will not play again for the Club this season or in the foreseeable future, pending the outcome of this investigation.” Most read in Sport They described the scandal as “a very distressing and stressful experience”. It emerged after eagle-eyed viewers dug through archives and claimed to have found dozens of alleged examples – suggesting Saltburn has been employing the scam for more than a season. Further clips of at least two other matches emerged, appearing to show opening batsman Devine implement his bizarre clicking tactic. Posters have dubbed him “Clicky Ponting” – a play on ex-Aussie captain Ricky Ponting. The team had been expected to take on Marton seconds on Wednesday evening in the competition run by the North Yorkshire and South Durham League. Saltburn’s second team were due to play in a first-round match in the Division Two Hundred competition, a 100-ball-per-side format. A source close to the league told the Daily Mail: “None of the Saltburn players will have wanted anything to do with this game while they’re under such focus. “For the lads that take their cricket seriously at Saltburn, that’s a real blow but there was no way they were going to put themselves through that. It feels like the eyes of the world are on them right now.” Devine’s friend reportedly said that he is “completely bewildered” at the controversy and can be expected to “lie low” for the foreseeable. Saltburn second team said they were unable to get a team together due to the “holiday season” reports the BBC. Piers Morgan was among the cricket fans to have weighed in on the viral clip, calling the act “outrageous cheating”. He added: “Just the tip of the iceberg from all that’s come out since it was exposed. “Clicky Ponting (as he is now known) and various teammates at Saltburn CC, have clearly been at this shameful scam for years. “Imagine doing this in local amateur cricket? Pathetic.” A formal investigation by the cricketing authorities is now under way. A statement from the North Yorkshire and South Durham League reads: “The League has received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday 25 July 2026. “A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete, no further comment will be made.” Disciplinary options include kicking Saltburn out of the league – one of more than 30 premier leagues at the top level of recreational cricket in England and Wales. Other sanctions could involve handing out lifetime bans or suspensions for individual players or whole teams. Devine, an businessman and auctioneer, previously told the Mail: “Naturally, I cannot comment on that. “I also cannot answer any questions because I am currently at work.”