Saltburn concede match over 'finger-clicking' claim

Saltburn Cricket Club's second team have withdrawn from a cup match against Marton's second team. The game was scheduled for Wednesday evening but was cancelled, with the club stating they could not field a team due to the holiday season. Earlier on Wednesday, the match had been expected to go ahead before being called off.

This follows a controversy that erupted after Saltburn's second XI victory over Norton in Division 2. The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League launched an investigation on Monday evening following a complaint. Footage of the match went viral on social media, showing Saltburn batter Brian Devine allegedly clicking his finger at the exact moment the ball passed Norton batter Noman Shabir's bat and was caught by wicketkeeper Josh Bowes. An appeal to the umpire resulted in the wicket being given.

The original video has garnered over 7.5 million views on X, and Devine has been dubbed 'Clicky Ponting' online. BBC Sport has approached Devine for comment but has not received a response.

A meeting was held on Tuesday night between Saltburn, the league, and legal representatives, but the outcomes have not been made public. The league, Saltburn, Norton, and the England and Wales Cricket Board have all declined to comment on the incident.

Saltburn's second team were due to play Marton in the first round of the Division Two Hundred competition, a 100-ball-per-side format akin to The Hundred.