‘Clicky Ponting’ Banned: Finger-Click Cheat Gets Two Years as Saltburn 2nd XI Are Relegated

The finger-click that fooled an umpire has now cost a club cricketer two years of his career. Brian Devine, the man dubbed ‘Clicky Ponting’, has been banned from all ECB-sanctioned cricket until the end of 2028, while Saltburn CC’s 2nd XI have been relegated after a viral cheating row.

Two-Year Ban Ends the ‘Clicky Ponting’ Saga

Devine, 38, has been banned from all cricket under the auspices of the England and Wales Cricket Board until the end of the 2028 season. The sanction was announced on Friday.

The ban is wide-ranging. It covers “playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams”, so Devine is shut out of the sport in virtually every capacity.

The decision follows a full investigation by the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League (NYSDCL). A three-person disciplinary panel heard player interviews, read written statements and reviewed the footage that set the internet alight. Both Devine and Saltburn CC accepted misconduct charges.

How the Row Began

Devine’s notoriety dates back to July, when footage from Division Two of the NYSDCL went viral. In the clip, he clicks his fingers in the field and tricks the umpire into believing a Norton CC batter has edged a catch behind.

The nickname was instant. It was a nod to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, and it spread across social media within hours.

Saltburn CC Pay the Price

The fallout did not stop with one player. Devine was provisionally suspended by his club for the remainder of the 2026 season while the league investigated. Further examples of the practice then emerged and were widely circulated online, which kept the story in the headlines.

After an appeal against their original sanction, Saltburn CC have been fined £300. Their 2nd XI has also been relegated to Division Three of the NYSDCL.

There is another sting to come. The 2nd XI will begin the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction, a heavy handicap for a side already dropping down a division.

Middlesbrough Get a Reprieve

There was a twist further down the table. Previously relegated Middlesbrough CC have retained their place in Division Two, a direct knock-on effect of Saltburn’s demotion.

The Sanctions at a Glance

League Draws a Line Under the Row

The NYSDCL used its statement to acknowledge the human cost of a story that began on a village-level pitch and ended up in global headlines. The club involved is volunteer-run, and it found itself at the centre of widespread condemnation.

“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.”

That line matters. The case sparked a fierce debate about sportsmanship in grassroots cricket, but it also saw people on the receiving end of abuse, both online and face to face.

Saltburn Look Ahead

Saltburn CC said they fully took part in the disciplinary proceedings and accept the outcome of the appeal. The club added that it is now “focusing on preparations for the 2027 season”.

For the club, the immediate task is rebuilding on the field, starting life in a lower division with a points deficit. For Devine, the road back is much longer, with no return to organised cricket possible before the 2029 season.

Why This Case Resonates

Cricket has always relied on a mix of rules and trust. Umpires make split-second calls, often with no replay and no second chance, and players are expected to respect that.

That is what made this episode so striking. A simple trick with a click of the fingers turned a routine league fixture into a worldwide talking point. The ban is a clear signal that the game’s authorities will act on such conduct, even at club level.

The formal process may be over, but the debate over where gamesmanship ends and cheating begins is likely to continue long after the 2028 season.