Two-year ban for 'Clicky Ponting' cricketer — SkimNews
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- Brian Devine accepted a two-year ban from all cricket under the England and Wales Cricket Board until 29 September 2028, covering playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams.
- Saltburn CC admitted the charges and appealed its sanctions; its second XI was relegated to Division Three for 2027 with a 60-point deduction, while the club was fined £300.
- North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League investigated complaints about alleged conduct in multiple Saltburn second XI matches through player interviews, written statements and a detailed review of video footage.
- Noman Shabir was given out after the viral Saltburn-Norton footage appeared to show Devine clicking his fingers as the ball passed Shabir's bat before wicketkeeper Josh Bowes caught it; the clip drew worldwide media attention.
- Saltburn CC was believed by the NYSD to have other second XI members involved in the misconduct, although Devine was the only player sanctioned.
- Middlesbrough second XI received a Division Two reprieve after Saltburn's second XI were relegated; Middlesbrough had finished 11th in the 12-team league.
Why it matters: Saltburn’s punishment is as consequential as Devine’s ban: the second XI drops to Division Three for 2027 with a 60-point deduction and £300 fine. Middlesbrough’s second XI consequently receives a Division Two reprieve after finishing 11th in the 12-team league, while the NYSD said it believed other Saltburn teammates were involved despite sanctioning only Devine.
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