Brian Devine banned for two years after 'Clicky Ponting' incident
Brian Devine, an amateur cricketer, has been banned for two years following an incident in which he was filmed clicking his fingers while fielding at slip during a North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League Division Two match against Norton in July, linked to the so-called 'Clicky Ponting' cheating scandal.
Devine, who had previously played for Pudsey St Lawrence in the Bradford Cricket League, was representing Saltburn's second XI when video footage appeared to show him click his fingers as the ball passed Noman Shabir's bat and was caught by wicketkeeper Josh Bowes; Saltburn lodged an on-field appeal and the umpire gave Shabir out. The clip circulated widely on social media and attracted attention from national and international media.
The NYSD confirmed it received complaints in late July and opened an investigation with Saltburn CC's co-operation. "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 co-operation of Saltburn CC," said the league statement. The inquiry involved player interviews, written statements and a detailed review of video footage.
Both Saltburn and Devine admitted the charges, and Devine accepted the disciplinary outcome handed down by the authorities. The NYSD said it believed other members of the Saltburn team were involved in the conduct under investigation.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has prohibited Devine from all cricket activities under its jurisdiction until 29 September 2028; the ban prevents him from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring or managing junior teams for the duration. Saltburn's second XI have been relegated from Division Two and will start the 2027 season in Division Three with a 60-point deduction, while the club has been fined £300.
Saltburn's relegation from Division Two provides a reprieve for Middlesbrough's second XI, who finished 11th in the 12-team league. Separately, Saltburn's first XI had already been relegated from the NYSD Premier League following their 11th-place finish.
"The League recognises the strain this has placed on many people, especially those who were abused online and in person," added the NYSD. "We ask everyone to respect that the formal process is now complete."
Saltburn has appealed against the club penalties, and BBC Sport has contacted Saltburn CC and Brian Devine for comment.
