An amateur cricketer in England has been banned from all cricket-related activities for two years after deliberately making a clicking sound with his fingers to deceive an umpire into believing that a batter had edged the ball.
Brian Devine, who played for Saltburn Cricket Club’s second team, came under scrutiny after a video of the incident went viral on social media. The footage showed him producing a clicking sound as the ball passed close to the bat, creating the impression that it had made contact.
The incident occurred during a Second XI Division Two match in which Saltburn defeated Norton by 159 runs. Following the game, Norton Cricket Club lodged a formal complaint with the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League.
According to the complaint, Devine made the clicking sound as Norton batter Nauman Shabbir played a shot. The noise gave the impression that the ball had touched the bat. Wicketkeeper Josh Boos subsequently caught the ball, and the umpire gave the batter out following an appeal.
Devine was nicknamed “Clicky Ponting” on social media following the incident.
After an investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Devine was suspended from all cricket activities until September 29, 2028.
The ban covers not only playing but also coaching, umpiring, scoring and supervising junior teams.
Saltburn Cricket Club Also Punished
Saltburn Cricket Club has also faced disciplinary action over the incident.
The club’s second team has been relegated to the Third Division, while the club will begin the 2027 season with a deduction of 60 points. It has also been fined £300.
The club has accepted the decision and announced that it will now focus on preparations for the next season.