An amateur cricketer has been suspended by Saltburn Cricket Club following viral allegations that he mimicked the sound of a ball hitting a bat.
Key facts
- •The player was dubbed 'Clicky Ponting' on social media following viral video footage of the alleged incidents.
- •Saltburn Cricket Club is a volunteer-run organization currently competing in Division Two.
- •The club has suspended the player indefinitely pending the outcome of an investigation.
- •The league received a formal complaint regarding a match played on July 25, 2026.
- •Historically, cricket players have faced allegations of using various methods, such as biscuit-chomping or ball-tampering, to deceive umpires.
Saltburn Cricket Club has suspended an amateur player following allegations that he used finger-clicking to deceive umpires during a match. The fielder, who gained viral attention on social media, reportedly clicked his fingers to simulate the sound of a ball nicking a bat. The club confirmed on Wednesday that the player will not participate in any games for the remainder of the season or the foreseeable future while an investigation is underway.
By the numbers
Investigation and League Involvement
The North Yorkshire and South Durham league confirmed it received a formal complaint regarding incidents that allegedly occurred during a Division Two game on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Saltburn Cricket Club officials have initiated discussions with the league and stated they are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. In a statement, the club acknowledged the situation has been distressing for those involved and requested that personal boundaries be respected. Saltburn currently leads the Division Two table, having secured 10 wins out of 15 matches.
Timeline
- Saturday, July 25, 2026The alleged incidents occurred during a Division Two cricket match.
- TuesdayThe league confirmed it received a formal complaint regarding the match.
- WednesdaySaltburn Cricket Club announced the player's suspension.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Al Jazeera.
