A North Yorkshire cricket scandal that has made international headlines has prompted league officials to offer wellbeing support as the high-profile investigation continues.
Controversy erupted earlier this week after video footage from a recent second-team match against Norton appeared to show Saltburn player Brian Devine clicking his fingers in an apparent attempt to convince the umpire that a batsman had edged the ball.
The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League (NYSDL) said now it has “genuine concern for the welfare” of people connected to Saltburn Cricket Club as it carries out a formal inquiry into the allegations.
The clip quickly spread across social media, attracting criticism from around the world and earning the nickname ‘Clicky Ponting’ in a reference to former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.
The NYSDL launched an investigation on Monday, while Saltburn suspended Devine for the “foreseeable future” and said it was treating allegations of cheating “with the utmost seriousness”.
In a statement issued on Friday (July 31), the league said it had met with Saltburn officials and received guidance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as it seeks to ensure the process is “comprehensive and fair to all”.
The statement said: “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.”
The league also highlighted the impact the controversy has had on those not directly involved.
It added: “Finally we would want to place on record our 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.”
Read more
Saltburn suspends player at centre of 'Clicky Ponting' cricket scandal
Saltburn Cricket match marred by 'cheating' video as league opens investigation
Ben Stokes hits superb century on winning return with Durham
Further discussions about alleged misconduct in the league have also surfaced following the viral video.
Middlesbrough second XI captain Rory Cotterill claimed that there were two further incidents of cheating during his side's defeat to Saltburn last month.
Additional footage has also surfaced which allegedly shows Devine clicking his fingers during matches while playing for Bradford Premier League club Pudsey St Lawrence.
Pudsey St Lawrence said in a statement on Thursday (July 30): “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 expects its players to uphold the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship and takes any credible concerns extremely seriously.”
The Bradford League said it was aware of the footage but did not carry out retrospective investigations..
Share