‘Clicky Ponting’ banned from cricket for two years: How did a simple finger click at first slip end with a two-year ban? |
An amateur cricketer popularly known as ‘Clicky Ponting’ has been banned from the sport for two years for cheating during games. Also known as Brian Devine, he was accused of tricking umpires by clicking his fingers to make the sound of a ball nicking the bat as deliveries were missed and caught by the wicketkeeper.Even though it might sound bizarre, just a small trick on a club ground, that happened in front of a few spectators, and a couple of umpires was enough to turn a little-known player into a viral celebrity.Let’s know what exactly happened.
“Clicky Ponting” banned for two years as his club pays the price
The long-running “Clicky Ponting” cheating saga now has an official ending. According to AFP and Reuters reports, the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League (NYSDCL) has banned amateur cricketer Brian Devine for two years. The ban runs from 30 September 2026 to 29 September 2028 and the suspension covers cricket run by the England and Wales Cricket Board, including “playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams.“
But what did he actually do?
Devine, whose nickname is a tribute to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, was accused of clicking his fingers to copy the sound of a ball touching the bat. This happened as deliveries were missed and caught by the wicketkeeper, and the aim was to fool the umpires. LBC reports that the clip came from Saltburn’s second XI match against Norton in Division Two, with Devine fielding at first slip and the footage had caused a social media storm in July.
Devine did not face the consequences alone.
Saltburn Cricket Club has been fined £300, and its second XI has been relegated to Division Three of the NYSDCL. It will start the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction. According to Sky Sports, the first XI had already dropped out of the NYSD Premier League after finishing 11th, so it has been a painful year for the club.A three-person disciplinary panel reviewed the footage, player interviews and written statements. Devine and Saltburn admitted the charges, but the club appealed against its sanction.According to Sky Sports, the league recognises the strain on many people, especially those who were abused online and in person. It asked everyone to accept that the formal process is complete and said it will make no further comment.Ricky Ponting himself took it lightly, according to an interview with Reuters, the man who led Australia to two 50-over World Cup titles found the row funny, though he did not enjoy having his name linked to someone cheating. “I had a laugh and a joke about it,” he said.
