'Clicky Ponting' club cricketer banned for two years after Saltburn cheating scandal

The local league player dubbed 'Clicky Ponting' has been banned for two years from all cricket, while his team has been relegated and handed a 60-point deduction for the upcoming season.

Brian Devine found himself making headlines across the world this summer when he was caught apparently clicking his fingers at first slip during a match for Saltburn Cricket Club's second XI to trick the umpire into thinking the batsman had edged the ball.

Devine was given the nickname 'Clicky Ponting' in reference to the former Australia captain, Ricky Ponting, with the North Yorkshire and South Durham league launching an investigation.

• Get the latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract
• Listen to latest episode of the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast

There were further complaints regarding previous matches and the investigation, which included player interviews, written statements and a detailed review of video footage, took a number of weeks.

Devine and Saltburn admitted the subsequent charges but appealed against the sanction, with a separate panel heard on October 26 and now concluded.

Devine has been suspended from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams at all levels until September 29, 2028 while Saltburn have been fined £300.

Their second XI have been relegated to division three of the league and will start the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction. Middlesbrough Cricket Club 2nd XI will retain their place in Division Two.

Saltburn said in a statement reported on gazettelive.co.uk: "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 focusing on preparations for the 2027 season."

In a statement to Sky Sports, the North Yorkshire and South Durham league said: "The league recognises the strain this has placed on many people, especially those who were abused online and in person.

"We ask everyone to respect that the formal process is now complete. The league will make no further comment."

(c) Sky Sports 2026: 'Clicky Ponting' club cricketer banned for two years after Saltburn cheating scandal