Brian Devine banned — Brian Devine, the Saltburn second XI player at the centre of the ‘Clicky Ponting’ scandal, has been banned from all cricket under the England and Wales Cricket Board’s jurisdiction for two years. The sanction, announced by the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League (NYSD), runs until 29 September 2028 and follows an investigation into his conduct during a Division Two match against Norton in July.
The incident that brought Devine worldwide attention occurred while he was fielding at slip. As a delivery passed the bat of Norton batsman Noman Shabir, Devine clicked his fingers to imitate the sound of an edge. Wicketkeeper Josh Bowes caught the ball, Saltburn appealed, and the umpire gave Shabir out. Video of the episode spread rapidly on social media, turning the term ‘Clicky Ponting’ into a global talking point.
League investigation and sanctions
The NYSD confirmed that it had received complaints about the conduct of Devine and Saltburn in multiple matches. Its inquiry, which lasted several weeks, involved interviews with players, written statements and a detailed review of video footage. Both the player and the club admitted the charges brought against them. Devine accepted his punishment, while Saltburn appealed against the sanctions imposed on the club.
Under the terms of his ban, Devine is prohibited from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring or managing junior teams for the duration of the two-year period. The punishment therefore extends well beyond on-field participation.
Saltburn’s second XI have been relegated from Division Two and will begin the 2027 season in Division Three with a 60-point deduction. The club has also been fined £300. Although Devine was the only individual player sanctioned, the NYSD said it believed other members of the Saltburn team were involved in the conduct under investigation.
The relegation has a knock-on effect for Middlesbrough’s second XI, who finished 11th in the 12-team division. They now receive a reprieve from relegation as a result of Saltburn’s demotion. Saltburn’s first XI had already been relegated from the NYSD Premier League after finishing 11th.
League acknowledges strain
In its statement, the NYSD recognised the impact the case has had on many people, particularly those who were abused online and in person. The league asked everyone to respect that the formal process is now complete. The statement also noted the co-operation of Saltburn CC during the investigation.
BBC Sport has contacted Saltburn CC and Devine for comment. The case has drawn attention far beyond the amateur game, with the viral clip and the subsequent sanctions generating headlines across the world.
