'Clicky Ponting': League chiefs voice welfare concerns for Saltburn players

The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has voiced "genuine concern for the welfare" of Saltburn Cricket Club members as it continues its investigation into the 'Clicky Ponting' cheating controversy.

The scandal erupted after video footage, widely shared online, appeared to show Saltburn player Brian Devine clicking his fingers to simulate a caught-behind dismissal during a recent second-team match against Norton.

The NYSDL initiated an inquiry on Monday, while Saltburn Cricket Club swiftly suspended Devine for the "foreseeable future", stating they are treating the allegations of cheating "with the utmost seriousness."

In a subsequent statement released on Friday, the League confirmed it had met with Saltburn officials and sought guidance from the England and Wales Cricket Board. This is to ensure "a due and appropriate process that has to be comprehensive and fair to all."

The League added: "Whilst we understand, to some degree, the interest this issue has generated in the press and media it is imperative that now this process is underway that the rights of all parties are observed, including the overriding principles of natural justice and a right to a fair hearing for any individual or any entity concerned. Anything less risks prejudicing any formal actions which may follow."

It concluded by reiterating its "genuine concern for the welfare for those at Saltburn Cricket Club and ask for all to take that into account - there are many people at the club and one of our aims will be to provide them with any well-being support we can."

The incident has drawn global condemnation, making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, and the USA. It has been colloquially dubbed 'Clicky Ponting' in reference to the former Australia captain, Ricky Ponting.

In the immediate aftermath, Saltburn, who were 17 points clear at the top of Division Two, conceded their second-team cup match against Marton.

Further allegations have since emerged, with Middlesbrough's second XI captain Rory Cotterill claiming two additional instances of cheating occurred during his side's 29-run defeat to Saltburn last month. Moreover, new video footage has surfaced, purportedly showing Mr Devine, then playing for Pudsey St Lawrence in the Bradford Premier League, repeatedly clicking his fingers while opponents were batting.

Pudsey St Lawrence responded in a statement on Thursday, asserting: "At no stage was the club aware of any alleged misconduct by Mr Devine, nor were any concerns or complaints raised with the club by opposition teams or umpires who officiated the fixtures in question."

The club emphasised its expectation for players to "uphold the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship and takes any credible concerns extremely seriously."

The Bradford League, in turn, stated: "We are aware of the video footage circulating, but it is not our policy to undertake retrospective investigations."

Kaynak: The Independent. Telif hakkı kaynak yayına aittir; buradaki metin özet/atıftır.

Orijinal haber: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/clicky-ponting-saltburn-cheating-brian-devine-b3025297.html