Saltburn cricketer suspended amid 'Clicky Ponting' cheating scandal

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 6:32 PM

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

Saltburn cricketer suspended amid 'Clicky Ponting' cheating scandal

Summary

A Saltburn Cricket Club player has been suspended following cheating allegations connected to a viral video. The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League is investigating claims that the player clicked his fingers to replicate the sound of a bat hitting the ball, influencing an umpire's decision during a recent match against Norton. Saltburn has decided to concede their next scheduled match against Marton in light of the situation. The club emphasized their cooperation with the league's investigation and is treating the allegations seriously. The viral clip has garnered significant attention, with over seven-and-a-half million views on social media, leading to discussions across the cricket community regarding sportsmanship.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport Yahoo Sports Sky Sports

By the Numbers

•Player suspended for foreseeable future by Saltburn Cricket Club
•Investigation launched by North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League
•Viral video shows alleged finger-clicking incident during match
•Saltburn concedes upcoming match against Marton Cricket Club
•Club emphasizes cooperation and seriousness of the allegations

Latest Updates

6:32 PMThe Guardian Sport — Saltburn suspend fielder accused of cheating in ‘Clicky Ponting’ incident
5:33 PMYahoo Sports — Saltburn cricketer at centre of ‘Clicky Ponting’ cheating allegations suspended by club after viral video

What they're saying

"
‘Will not play again in foreseeable future’ Club concede Wednesday’s second-team cup fixture Saltburn Cricket Club have said they are treating allegations of cheating very seriously and have suspended the player at the centre of the controversy for the “foreseeable future”. A Saltburn fielder was accused of clicking his fingers to get a catch behind and footage of several incidents later went viral on social media. The first video, posted on Monday evening, was from Saltburn’s second XI victory over Norton in Division Two of North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League. It showed the fielder clicking his fingers as the ball passed the bat of the Norton batter, Noman Shabir, before being caught by the wicketkeeper, Josh Bowes, and the umpire gave him out. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby PA Media

"
The cricketer at the centre of the 'Clicky Ponting' cheating allegations has been suspended and will not play again "for the foreseeable future", the club have announced.
— Sky Sports