Amateur Cricketer Banned for Two Years Over Finger-Clicking Deception

The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has issued a two-year ban to amateur player Brian Devine following an investigation into finger-clicking during matches to trick umpires. The league also penalized Devine's club, Saltburn Cricket Club, with financial fines, league relegation, and a points deduction.

A three-person disciplinary panel reached the verdict after reviewing video footage, player interviews, and written statements. The evidence showed Devine clicking his fingers while fielding to create the sound of a ball edging the bat as deliveries were caught by the wicketkeeper. Video clips of the incidents subsequently spread on social media and attracted international attention.

The sanction falls under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board and runs from September 30, 2026, to September 29, 2028. The league stated that the suspension prevents Devine from playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring, or managing junior teams during the specified timeframe.

Saltburn Cricket Club was fined 300 pounds ($402.87) for its involvement in the matter. In addition, the league ruled that the club's second XI will be relegated to Division Three of the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League, starting the 2027 season with an automatic 60-point deduction.

Both the player and the club admitted to the disciplinary charges. While Saltburn initially lodged an appeal against the penalties, the club later confirmed in a public statement reported by local media that it accepted the final appeal outcome following full participation in the hearings.

In a statement provided to the Press Association, the league acknowledged the severe strain caused by the case, highlighting that several individuals had faced online and physical harassment. The organization requested that all parties respect the conclusion of the formal procedure and confirmed it would make no further public comments.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, whose name was used in social media references to Devine during the viral coverage, commented on the matter to Reuters news agency. Ponting remarked that although he disapproved of his name being connected to deliberate cheating, he found the initial news of the trickery amusing.

Written by Andreas Hofer andreas.hofer@alpineweekly.com