Saltburn Cricket Club has suspended Brian Devine, an amateur player, for the foreseeable future following allegations of cheating during a recent match. The club, based in North Yorkshire, announced the decision ahead of a scheduled fixture against Marton’s second team, which has since been cancelled.
The incident occurred during Saltburn’s 159-run victory over Norton in a match within the North Yorkshire and South Durham League. Devine, a 38-year-old slip fielder, was accused of deliberately clicking his fingers to mimic the sound of the ball edging the bat, a gesture which purportedly misled the umpires into giving Norton batsman Noman Shabir out caught behind. Shabir protested the decision, asserting he had not made contact with the ball. Video footage from the game appeared to show Devine making the clicking motion as the ball passed the bat, prompting widespread attention and criticism.
In response, Saltburn Cricket Club confirmed on social media that it was cooperating fully with an ongoing investigation by the league. The club described the situation as “distressing and stressful” and appealed for respect of personal boundaries, noting the amateur status of the club and its volunteer operators. The statement also announced Devine’s suspension effective immediately, stating he would not participate for the remainder of the season or in the near future pending the investigation’s outcome.
Marton Cricket Club confirmed via Facebook the cancellation of their upcoming match against Saltburn’s second team and acknowledged the disruption to the Division Two Hundred competition, administered by the North Yorkshire and South Durham League.
The league is reportedly conducting an inquiry into the matter, with an emergency meeting convened on the Tuesday following the match. A source close to the league highlighted the impact on players dedicated to the sport, describing the scrutiny as a significant blow and noting the increased attention from media and the broader cricket community.
Devine, who lives in Guisborough with his partner and is a father, declined to comment publicly. A friend told media outlets that Devine was overwhelmed by the controversy, stating he was “bewildered” by the level of attention and unaware of offers for legal support reportedly made on an Australian podcast. The friend indicated Devine wishes for the issue to be resolved quietly.
The case remains under investigation, with further developments expected as the league continues to review the evidence and testimonies related to the allegation of cheating.