‘Clicky Ponting’ given two-year ban after involvement in club cricket cheating scandal

The club cricketer dubbed “Clicky Ponting” after his involvement in a cheating scandal has been banned from the sport for two years having accepted a misconduct charge.

Brian Devine was at the centre of a social media storm in July after footage from Division Two of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League (NYSDCL) went viral.

A clip appeared to show Devine, standing at slip for Saltburn Cricket Club’s Second XI, clicking his fingers as the ball passed the bat, successfully tricking an umpire into believing a batter had edged behind.

Separate videos were subsequently shared, earning the 38-year-old a new nickname in a nod to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Devine was provisionally suspended by Saltburn for the remainder of the 2026 season while an investigation was carried out by the NYSDCL.

Following a series of written statements, player interviews and study of the footage, both Devine and his club have accepted misconduct charges. Devine is now banned from all cricket run by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), which covers “playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams”.

Having appealed their sanction, Saltburn CC’s Second XI have been relegated to the third division and will begin next season with a deduction of 60 points. Middlesbrough CC have been reinstated to Division Two.

A statement from Saltburn CC said: “The club fully participated in the disciplinary proceedings and accept the decision of the appeal following the original decision from the League.

“We are now focussing on preparations for the 2027 season.”

A statement from the NYSDCL sought to draw a line under proceedings.

“The League recognises the strain this has placed on many people, especially those who were abused online and in person,” it said. “We ask everyone to respect that the formal process is now complete.”