BRIAN DEVINE RECEIVES TWO-YEAR CRICKET BAN OVER FINGER-CLICKING

Brian Devine has received a two-year ban from ECB-regulated cricket following disciplinary proceedings over finger-clicking during a Saltburn Cricket Club Second XI match against Norton. Saltburn confirmed that the club accepted the appeal decision following the league’s original ruling. The sanctions relegate Saltburn’s Second XI to Division Three and impose a 60-point deduction for the 2027 season. The club also received a £300 fine.

Footage from July appeared to show Devine clicking his fingers at first slip as the ball passed a Norton batter’s bat, while wicketkeeper Josh Bowes celebrated a catch. The umpire gave the batter out caught behind, and the batter protested that he had not touched the ball. Saltburn won the match by 159 runs, moving 17 points clear at the top of Division Two. The video attracted criticism from former England bowler Steve Harmison and commentator Jonathan Agnew, while footage from earlier Saltburn matches prompted allegations of similar conduct.

The disciplinary investigation included player interviews, written statements and detailed examination of video footage. Devine’s ban runs from 30 September 2026 to 29 September 2028 and covers playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and managing junior teams. The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League emailed its clubs to acknowledge the strain the case had caused. Saltburn, which suspended Devine in July, said: “We are now focussing on preparations for the 2027 season.”