'Clicky Ponting' Brian Devine banned for two years as Saltburn 2nd XI relegated
Brian Devine, 38, has been banned from all cricket for two years and Saltburn Cricket Club’s 2nd XI relegated after sanctions announced on Friday following accusations that stemmed from footage in Division Two of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League which went viral in July.
The player, who was dubbed "Clicky Ponting" in online reaction, was shown in the clip clicking his fingers in the field and causing an umpire to believe a Norton CC batter had edged a catch behind. Saltburn provisionally suspended Devine for the remainder of the 2026 season while the league conducted an inquiry, and further examples of the practice later circulated online.
A three-person disciplinary panel reviewed the footage, conducted a series of player interviews and examined written statements before reaching its decision. Both Brian Devine and Saltburn CC accepted misconduct charges during the course of the proceedings.
The sanctions announced on Friday include a ban on Devine from all cricket under the auspices of the England and Wales Cricket Board until the end of the 2028 season. The ban covers "playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams".
Saltburn CC were fined £300 and their 2nd XI have been relegated to Division Three of the NYSDCL. The club’s 2nd XI will begin the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction, and previously relegated Middlesbrough CC have retained their place in Division Two.
Commenting on the outcome, the NYSDCL 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." Saltburn CC added: "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."
Devine’s prohibition from ECB-sanctioned activity remains in force until the end of the 2028 season, and Saltburn have confirmed they will concentrate on preparing for the 2027 campaign despite the points deduction and relegation.
