Overview
- A viral July clip showing Saltburn fielder Brian Devine clicking his fingers as the ball passed a batter triggered a league probe that uncovered similar footage from other matches.
- The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League ran a multi-week investigation that included player interviews, written statements and a detailed review of ECB Play Cricket recordings.
- Disciplinary and appeal panels have imposed a two-year ban on Devine from all ECB-governed cricket from 30 September 2026 to 29 September 2028, covering playing, coaching, umpiring, scoring and junior-team roles.
- Saltburn’s second XI were relegated to Division Three, fined £300 and will begin the 2027 season with a 60-point deduction, with Middlesbrough CC’s seconds reinstated to Division Two as a result.
- Investigators highlighted a stark catch-rate discrepancy — 39 wicketkeeper catches in 13 games with Devine versus five in seven without him — and the league has asked clubs to respect that the formal process is complete.