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2-year ban for ‘Clicky Ponting’, England club relegated with 60-point deduction

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Brian Devine was captured on video clicking his fingers as a ball passed an opponent, attempting to falsely indicate that the batter had nicked the delivery. Following an appeal, his club, Saltburn Cricket Club's second XI, accepted harsh competitive penalties and will shift focus toward the 2027 season. The ruling comprehensively restricts Devine from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring, and supervising youth cricket squads. Public figures and commentators have remained divided over whether the intense scrutiny of an amateur competitor was justified or disproportionate.

Key points

  • Disciplinary authorities issued comprehensive bans and severe team penalties following a…: Disciplinary authorities issued comprehensive bans and severe team penalties following a viral amateur cheating controversy.
  • Saltburn Cricket Club participated in the proceedings, accepted the appeal outcome, and b…: Saltburn Cricket Club participated in the proceedings, accepted the appeal outcome, and began preparations for 2027.
  • Prominent media personalities and sports commentators clashed over the proportionality of…: Prominent media personalities and sports commentators clashed over the proportionality of the global backlash against an amateur player.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

NEW DELHI: English club cricketer Brian Devine, popularly known as "Clicky Ponting", has received a two-year ban from cricket following a cheating scandal that attracted worldwide attention.

The 38-year-old became infamous earlier this year after a video showed him clicking his fingers as the ball passed an opposing batter, seemingly trying to make it sound like an edge.

The incident went viral on social media and drew criticism from cricket experts and fans. Devine was initially suspended by his club while officials investigated the matter.

According to British media reports, his punishment includes a ban from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams.

Club also faces heavy punishment

The action has also affected Saltburn Cricket Club's second XI, which was leading the North Yorkshire and South Durham League before the controversy.

The team has been automatically moved down to the third division and will begin the next season with a 60-point deduction, making promotion extremely difficult.

For comparison, former Australia captains Steve Smith and David Warner received 12-month bans for their involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

Saltburn CC…

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