‘Clicky Ponting’ cheating scandal cricketer banned and club relegated

• Brian Devine, 38, banned from all cricket for two years

• Saltburn 2nd XI relegated and club fined by ECB

The club cricketer dubbed “Clicky Ponting” in response to accusations of cheating during the English summer has been handed a two-year ban from the sport. His team, Saltburn CC’s 2nd XI, have also been relegated.

Brian Devine earned online notoriety back in July after footage from Division Two of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League went viral. In the clip, Devine was seen clicking his fingers in the field and successfully tricking the umpire into believing a Norton CC batter had edged a catch behind.

Devine is now banned from all cricket under the auspices of the England and Wales Cricket Board until the end of the 2028 season. The ban covers “playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams”.

After an appeal against their sanction, Saltburn CC have been fined £300 and their 2nd XI has been relegated to Division Three of the NYSDCL. The 2nd XI will also start the 2027 season with 60-point deduction, while previously relegated Middlesbrough CC have retained their place in Division Two.