An amateur cricketer whose deceitful trickery went viral across the globe has been handed a two-year suspension from all cricket activities under the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Brian Devine, who played for Saltburn second XI, was caught on camera clicking his fingers to imitate the sound of a ball nicking the bat during a match against Norton in July.

The incident, which occurred in a North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League (NYSD) Division Two fixture, quickly earned the moniker 'Clicky Ponting' after the video spread on social media. Devine, fielding at slip, was seen clicking his fingers as the ball passed Noman Shabir's bat, prompting the wicketkeeper to claim a catch. The umpire, deceived by the sound, gave Shabir out.

Investigation and Sanctions

The NYSD launched an investigation after receiving complaints about the conduct of Devine and Saltburn in multiple matches. The inquiry, which spanned several weeks, involved player interviews, written statements, and a thorough review of video footage. Both Devine and the club admitted the charges. Devine accepted his punishment, while Saltburn appealed against theirs.

As a result, Devine is banned from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring, or managing junior teams until 29 September 2028. 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.

In a statement, the NYSD said: "In late July, the League received complaints about the alleged conduct of a Saltburn CC second XI player in NYSD Division Two matches and commenced an investigation with the co-operation of Saltburn CC. The investigation ran over several weeks and included player interviews, written statements and a detailed review of video footage."

The league acknowledged that although Devine was the only player sanctioned, it believed other Saltburn team members were involved. "The League recognises the strain this has placed on many people, especially those who were abused online and in person," the statement added. "We ask everyone to respect that the formal process is now complete."

The relegation of Saltburn's second XI provides a reprieve for Middlesbrough's second XI, who finished 11th in the 12-team league. Saltburn's first XI had already been relegated from the NYSD Premier League after finishing 11th.

BBC Sport has contacted Saltburn CC and Devine for comment.