‘Clicky Ponting’ handed two-year suspension over cricket cheating scandal

Amateur cricketer caught clicking his fingers while fielding to trick umpire into thinking the batsman had edged the ball.Published On 6 Nov 20266 Nov 2026The English amateur cricketer who went viral ⁠for finger-clicking trickery ⁠has been handed a two-year suspension, the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has said.The fielder Brian Devine, dubbed “Clicky Ponting” on ⁠social media in a nod to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, 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.The video footage went viral on social media and made international headlines earlier this year. A three-person disciplinary panel reviewed the ‌footage and considered player interviews and written statements before imposing the ban.“The player concerned is suspended from all cricket under the ECB’s [the England and Wales Cricket Board] jurisdiction for two years, from 30 September 2026 to 29 September 2028. This covers playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams,” the NYSDL said in a statement on Friday.Additionally, Saltburn ⁠Cricket Club have been fined 300 pounds...