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Cricketer banned for two years as Saltburn’s second XI faces relegation consequences
Brian Devine has been banned from cricket for two years after a league investigation found misconduct over a caught-behind incident. Saltburn CC’s second XI has also been relegated, and the case has drawn attention to the consequences for a volunteer-run club.
The 38-year-old became known as “Clicky Ponting” after footage showed him clicking his fingers to persuade an umpire that a Norton batter had edged the ball. Devine and the club accepted misconduct charges following interviews, written statements and a review of the footage. Saltburn were fined £300 and will start the 2027 season in Division Three with a 60-point deduction; Middlesbrough retain their Division Two place.
In short
- Brian Devine is banned from cricket until the end of the 2028 season.
- Saltburn’s second XI has been relegated and fined £300.
- The team will start 2027 with a 60-point deduction.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A two-year ban and substantial penalties are defensible because cricket depends on honest conduct and trust in umpires; the footage and accepted charges give the league grounds to treat the incident seriously. Relegation and a points deduction may also be justified to hold the club accountable where its team accepted misconduct charges and to deter similar behaviour.
The case against
The penalties may be disproportionate, particularly for a volunteer-run club whose players and wider community could bear consequences beyond the individuals involved. A lengthy ban for Devine, alongside a fine, might address the misconduct while avoiding relegation and a large points deduction that could feel like collective punishment.
Explained simply
Cricket leagues are organised into divisions, with teams promoted or relegated according to their results and league rules. Clubs can also face disciplinary action when players or officials are found to have breached the rules during a match.
Brian Devine played for Saltburn Cricket Club, a local club that relies on volunteers, while Norton and Middlesbrough are other teams in the same league structure. A caught-behind decision concerns whether the ball touched the batter’s bat or glove before being caught by the wicketkeeper, with the umpire responsible for making the call.
Disciplinary findings can affect both an individual and their club, including through bans, fines or changes to a team’s league position. Such consequences can matter particularly to volunteer-run clubs, which have limited resources and depend on members to organise and sustain their teams.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “‘Clicky Ponting’ cheating scandal cricketer banned and club relegated”.