An amateur cricketer has received a two-year ban for participating in the ‘Clicky Ponting’ cheating scandal that gained worldwide attention.
Brian Devine, who was fielding at slip, allegedly clicked his fingers to simulate the sound of the ball hitting the bat.
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Devine was playing for the Saltburn second XI when he was caught on camera during a North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League (NYSD) Division Two match against Norton in July.
As a result of his actions, he has been banned from participating in all cricket overseen by the England and Wales Cricket Board until 29 September 2028.
Additionally, Saltburn’s second XI has faced relegation from Division Two and will start the 2027 season in Division Three with a 60-point deduction. The club has also been fined £300.
The NYSD confirmed it received multiple complaints regarding the conduct of Devine and the Saltburn club during several matches.
Both Devine and the club admitted to the charges, with Devine accepting his punishment while Saltburn opted to appeal against theirs.
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Though Devine was the only player sanctioned, the NYSD believes other members of the Saltburn team were also involved.
“In late July, the League received complaints about the alleged conduct of a Saltburn CC second XI player in NYSD Division Two matches and commenced an investigation with the cooperation of Saltburn CC,” the statement read.
“The investigation lasted several weeks, including player interviews, written statements, and a thorough review of video footage.”
In footage from the game between Saltburn and Norton, Devine appears to click his fingers just as the ball passes Noman Shabir’s bat, which is then caught by wicketkeeper Josh Bowes. The appeal from Saltburn leads to the umpire giving Shabir out.
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The video went viral on social media, drawing significant media attention globally.
Following the investigation and subsequent disciplinary proceedings, Devine is barred from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring, or managing junior teams throughout his two-year ban.
The relegation of Saltburn’s second XI from Division Two has resulted in a reprieve for Middlesbrough’s second XI, which completed the season in 11th place in the 12-team league.
Moreover, Saltburn’s first XI has also been relegated from the NYSD Premier League after finishing 11th.
“The League recognises the strain this has placed on many people, particularly those who have suffered abuse online and in person,” the NYSD added. “We urge everyone to acknowledge that the formal process is now complete.”
BBC Sport has reached out to Saltburn CC and Devine for comments.
