An English amateur cricketer has been suspended indefinitely by Saltburn Cricket Club following allegations of using finger-clicking trickery to mislead umpires during a match. The player, nicknamed “Clicky Ponting” on social media in reference to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, allegedly clicked his fingers to mimic the sound of a ball nicking the bat, influencing umpire decisions when deliveries were missed but caught by the wicketkeeper.

Saltburn Cricket Club, managed by volunteers, issued a statement on Wednesday, July 30th, 2026, emphasizing that it is treating the allegations with the utmost seriousness. The club confirmed that initial discussions have taken place with officials from the North Yorkshire and South Durham league.

The league reported receiving a formal complaint on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026, concerning alleged incidents during a Division Two game held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026.

The suspended player will not participate in matches for the foreseeable future as investigations continue.

Sources