Mastermind behind ‘Clicky Ponting’ slapped with two year ban
Brian Devine, the 38-year-old club cricketer who went viral earlier this year for clicking his fingers to trick umpires into giving batters out caught behind, has been handed a two-year ban from the sport.
Dubbed “Clicky Ponting” by amused fans online, Devine became an internet sensation when footage of his fielding antics went viral on social media.
The Saltburn fielder accused of being the “biggest cheat in cricket history”. X
While fielding for Saltburn’s second XI in England’s North Yorkshire and South Durham league, Devine was caught on camera snapping his fingers to imitate the sound of a ball clipping the bat.
Following the click, he and his teammates would launch an appeal, successfully tricking the umpire into dismissing the batter.
On Friday (AEDT), British media confirmed that the gimmick cost Devine dearly as he has now been banned from participating in any cricket under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for two years.
The suspension, which runs from September 30, 2026 to September 29, 2028, is comprehensive - covering playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams.
His club has also faced severe repercussions, with the North Yorkshire and South Durham league operating under the belief that other members of the Saltburn team were complicit in the deception.
Saltburn’s second XI was relegated from division two and will begin their 2027 campaign in division three saddled with a massive 60-point deduction. Additionally, the club was hit with a $582 AUD fine.
In a statement addressing the saga, the league detailed the disciplinary process that led to the severe penalties.
“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,” the statement read.
“The investigation ran over several weeks and included player interviews, written statements and a detailed review of video footage.
“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.”
