Brian Devine, a club cricketer who became known online as “Clicky Ponting,” has received a two-year suspension from cricket following a disciplinary process. The controversy stemmed from footage circulated in July showing Devine using finger-clicking in the field to deceive an umpire into awarding a catch during a match between Saltburn CC’s 2nd XI and Norton CC in Division Two of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League.
The incident went viral on social media, earning Devine a nickname referencing former Australia captain Ricky Ponting. His club provisionally suspended him for the remainder of the 2026 season while investigators examined the matter. Additional instances of the deceptive practice emerged online during the inquiry, prompting further scrutiny.
Following interviews, written statements, and a review of video evidence by a three-person disciplinary panel, Devine and Saltburn CC both accepted misconduct charges. The disciplinary sanctions were announced on Friday and include a comprehensive ban for Devine from all cricket activities overseen by the England and Wales Cricket Board through the end of the 2028 season, covering playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring, and managing junior teams.
Saltburn CC’s 2nd XI received a relegation to Division Three of the NYSDCL, a £300 fine, and a 60-point deduction for the 2027 season following an appeal of the original decision. The league stated that the case has now concluded and called for respect regarding the formal process. Both the league and Saltburn CC acknowledged the strain and negative attention the incident had generated.
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