'Clicky Ponting': Know All About Fake Edge Finger-Click Cheating During English Club Cricket Match

The world of cricket has been rocked by a bizarre cheating scandal unfolding in England's amateur leagues, where a fielder has been accused of using finger clicks to deceive umpires into giving batsmen out. Brian Devine, a 38-year-old player for Saltburn Cricket Club 2nd XI, has been thrust into the spotlight and mockingly nicknamed 'Clicky Ponting' after footage of the alleged incidents went viral across social media. The North Yorkshire and South Durham (NYSD) Cricket League has confirmed it has launched a full investigation into the matter after receiving a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents during a recent Division Two match.

Clicky Ponting Scandal Goes Viral

@Saltburncc First slip clicks his fingers to imitate an edge, bat nowhere near it and given out.

This is about the worst case of cheating I’ve ever seen in cricket.

Apparently, their keeper has a huge amount of catches this season.@talkSPORT @bbctms @SkyCricket @TailendersPod pic.twitter.com/iM7lZfKF5q

— Ben Mummery (@ben_mummery) July 27, 2026

The Deceptive Tactic

The controversy centres on Devine's alleged tactic of snapping his fingers in the slips cordon just as the ball passes the bat, creating a sound eerily similar to an edge. This acoustic illusion is said to have consistently fooled umpires, leading to batsmen being given out caught behind, particularly in a league where Decision Review System (DRS) is unavailable. The most prominent incident that sparked widespread outrage occurred during Saltburn's Division Two match against Norton Cricket Club on Saturday, July 25, 2026. A video clip from this game shows a delivery passing Norton batter Noman Shabir's bat with no apparent contact, yet a distinct clicking sound is heard, followed by a successful appeal and Shabir's dismissal.

Investigation and Repercussions

The NYSD League released a statement confirming a formal complaint has been received concerning alleged incidents in a Division Two game on July 25, 2026, and that a full investigation is underway. "Until such time as the formal processes are complete, no further comment will be made," the league stated. The scandal has already had immediate consequences for Devine, who works at an auction house. He has reportedly lost his sponsorship deal with a local Indian restaurant named 'Spices'.

Mounting Evidence and Public Outcry

Beyond the viral video, further evidence has surfaced, with rival players claiming similar situations have occurred in previous matches. Rory Cotterill, captain of Middlesbrough CC's 2nd XI, shared a video alleging the same player clicking his fingers during their match against Saltburn in June. The scrutiny has intensified with analysis of Saltburn's wicketkeeping statistics. Reports indicate that Saltburn's wicketkeeper, Josh Bowes, has recorded an unusually high number of catches when Devine is in the side. In 13 matches with Devine, Bowes took 39 catches, compared to just five catches in seven matches without him. In one particular game against Shildon Railway the previous weekend, Bowes remarkably took eight catches.

Renowned personalities, including TV host Piers Morgan, have weighed in on the scandal, with Morgan reportedly calling Devine the "biggest cheat in cricket history" on X. Fans and players alike have expressed their fury, with many calling for the "harshest possible punishment."

Match Details:

This scandal, now dubbed 'Clickgate', draws comparisons to other major sporting integrity breaches, including Australia's infamous 'Sandpapergate'. As the investigation proceeds, the cricket community awaits the league's findings, which are expected to address the serious questions raised about fair play and sportsmanship at all levels of the game.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2026 12:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).