Saltburn Cricket Club is facing a serious cheating controversy following a match played on July 25, 2026, that has drawn widespread attention across the cricket community. The incident occurred during a Division Two game of the North Yorkshire and South Durham League against Norton Cricket Club, where Saltburn’s second XI team secured a commanding 159-run victory.
Video footage from the match, which was live-streamed online on the English Cricket Board’s ‘Play Cricket’ platform, revealed an attempt to deceive the umpire involving an unusual signal from the fielding side. As Norton’s batsman Noman Shabir faced a delivery from Saltburn bowler Sam Morrison, the first slip fielder appeared to click his fingers to mimic the sound of the ball edging the bat. The wicketkeeper took the catch, and the umpire, apparently persuaded by the noise, gave Shabir out despite his protests that he had not made contact.
The clip was subsequently shared on social media by an amateur cricketer from Durham, Ben Mummery, who described the incident as “about the worst case of cheating” he had seen in cricket. The video quickly went viral, accumulating over six million views by the following evening, prompting online users to examine previous matches for similar conduct.
Additional archived footage surfaced, indicating that this deceptive tactic may have been used by Saltburn repeatedly over more than a season. The player identified as performing the finger-clicking was Brian Devine, Saltburn’s opening batsman, who appeared in multiple clips employing the same ruse.
In one highlighted example from a June 27 game against Middlesbrough Cricket Club’s second XI, team captain Rory Cotterill reported two similar incidents that unfairly impacted younger players, stating that he had unwittingly witnessed the cheating unfold in real time. Cotterill’s remarks underscored concerns about sportsmanship and fair play at the amateur level.
The controversy has sparked condemnation from cricket fans and commentators alike. Public figures, including broadcaster Piers Morgan, have labeled the club’s actions as a “shameful scam” and an “outrageous” breach of cricketing ethics. Social media users have mockingly nicknamed Devine “Clicky Ponting,” in reference to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
In response to the allegations, the North Yorkshire and South Durham League issued a statement confirming it had received a formal complaint regarding the match and has launched a full investigation. The league pledged no further comment until the inquiry is complete. Possible disciplinary measures include expulsion of Saltburn Cricket Club from the league.
The scandal has left a historic club, which marked its 150th anniversary last year, grappling with the reputational damage caused by the unfolding investigation and public scrutiny.