'Finger-Clicking' Cheating Scandal: Saltburn CC Suspends 'Clicky Ponting' Over Bizarre Fielder Trick

Saltburn Cricket Club has suspended Brian Devine after a viral video allegedly showed him faking an edge by clicking his fingers during a match. The club is cooperating with a league investigation, sparking debate over the incident and fair play too.

The Saltburn Cricket Club (SCC) has decided to suspend Brian Devine, who has been accused of faking an edge by clicking his fingers during a match against Norton Cricket Club 2nd XI at their home ground, sparking a viral social media storm and a formal league investigation into unsportsmanlike conduct.

The 38-year-old club cricketer, who works as a company secretary at a North Yorkshire-based livestock auction company, allegedly deceived the on-field umpire to secure a dismissal by napping his fingers precisely as the ball passed the batter's bat, creating a sound resembling a genuine edge that prompted the umpire to instantly raise his finger.

@Saltburncc First slip clicks his fingers to imitate an edge, bat nowhere near it and given out.
This is about the worst case of cheating I’ve ever seen in cricket.
Apparently, their keeper has a huge amount of catches this season.@talkSPORT @bbctms @SkyCricket @TailendersPod pic.twitter.com/iM7lZfKF5q

— Ben Mummery (@ben_mummery) July 27, 2026

After footage of the controversial incident racked up millions of views online, prompting an investigation by the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League, with officials from Saltburn Cricket Club taking disciplinary action against the player to ensure that the integrity and fair play of the sport are strictly maintained moving forward.

Saltburn CC Suspends Brian Devine from Playing

As the viral footage caused a storm in English cricket, followed by intense backlash across digital platforms, Saltburn Cricket Club confirmed that Brian Devine had been suspended and would not represent the club for the remainder of the season or in the foreseeable future, pending the outcome of the league investigation.

The club further stated that it was treating the allegation with ‘utmost seriousness’ and was fully cooperating with the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League’s probe. Saltburn CC also highlighted the distress caused by the incident, urging people to respect the privacy and boundaries of those involved as the club is run entirely by volunteers.

“We are treating this allegation with the utmost seriousness and, as a family-centric club, we are fully cooperating with the NYS League's investigation.” Saltburn CC wrote in a statement.

“The player at the centre of the complaint has been suspended and will not play again for the club this season or in the foreseeable future, pending the outcome of this investigation.

“This has been a very distressing and stressful experience for all those concerned, and we would ask that this reality is borne in mind and that personal boundaries are respected, as we are an amateur club entirely run by volunteers,” the club added. 

Saltburn Cricket Club have just released a statement on their Facebook Page pic.twitter.com/KXOzNm3yDh

— Conner Kacperski (@ConnerKacperski) July 29, 2026

Though the incident occurred in a club-level competition, it has attracted attention across the English cricketing community, with many comparing it to the ‘Sandpaper Scandal’ in South Africa.

Brian Devine was nicknamed ‘Clicky Ponting’, a mocking sobriquet derived from a clever play on the name of former Australian captain and batting legend Ricky Ponting, with the finger click becoming the defining feature of the viral controversy.

Fans Debate Punishment After Viral Cheating Controversy

Saltburn CC’s decision to suspend Brian Devine from the remainder of the season or until the conclusion of the investigation has sparked mixed reactions on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), where fans and cricket enthusiasts debated whether further action was needed.

Taking to their X handles, many questioned whether Brian Devine was the only person involved in the alleged incident, with several users calling for a wider investigation into the club’s players and officials. Some fans claimed that other team members may have been aware of the tactic, while others demanded strict action if any further involvement was proven.

However, a section of supporters defended Saltburn CC, stating that the suspension was an appropriate step and urging people not to punish an entire amateur club for one alleged act. They also highlighted the impact on the volunteers who run the club.

Been made a scapegoat 

That was clubwide cheating. Every player knew.

Club should be thrown out abd every player banned

— 🇬🇧 The Bitcoin & Crypto Accountant 🇬🇧🚀 (@BitcoinTaxUK) July 29, 2026

But if a concern when in one of the games the wicket keeper made 8 catches? Record in elite test cricket is 7 in one innings, yet were made to believe the village team beat that record 😂 if Steve Smith is clicking his fingers during the ashes we know why

— Brannagans magic hat (@heyit5sam2) July 29, 2026

Clearly the slip fielder wasn’t the only one guilty. At the barest minimum the bowler and wicket keeper knew about it and probably others too. 

Interesting statement. There isn’t apology there. I thought you started with it.

— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) July 29, 2026

Captain, keeper, bowler & other players in the area who knew the cheating was going on. The club should be banned for the rest of the season & dropped down five divisions

— neil (@neilcunningha12) July 29, 2026

They are top of the league. In one game The keeper took 8 'catches'. They need to be kicked out so they don't ruin anyone else's enjoyment.

— Adam G (@Adameg87) July 29, 2026

About as reasonable a statement as they can make in the situation https://t.co/bSn3cS3AJA

— Adam🐺 (@adamgj03) July 29, 2026

Suspended the player is a start, but ...

Entire club knew, 2nds lads who'll be laughing about it in the bar with the 1s

Chairmen would have known, secretary, groundsman, Billy who comes for a pint

Club has to be sanctioned (if proven to be guilty)

Bringing game into disrepute https://t.co/JHdehdT1Qq

— Nellberg cricket 🏏 (@nellbergcricket) July 29, 2026

Saltburn CC are a community club and many of the reactions to the club's statement are unnecessary. Remember that by damaging the whole club you are running the risk of it folding which would a harsh outcome for every player and volunteer

— Tony Goodger ✝️☮️🇪🇺 (@Carer26) July 29, 2026

The club knows he did wrong. Ban him then move on. But he hasn’t killed anyone. Every paper have name and shamed him. His life must be hell at the moment. Give the guy a break. 
We’ve all done things we regret.

— Steve McAuley (@chadsteve) July 29, 2026

Meanwhile, Brian Devine has not issued any public response or statement regarding the suspension, leaving the formal league inquiry to determine the final verdict on the bizarre incident.