July 30, 2026
LONDON: The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has launched an investigation into an alleged cheating incident during a local cricket match, which has been dubbed “Clicky Ponting” on social media.
The controversy erupted after a viral cricket video appeared to show an unusual attempt to deceive a batter during a match between Saltburn and Norton. The incident has sparked widespread debate among cricket fans and raised questions about cheating and sportsmanship in cricket.
What Happened in the ‘Clicky Ponting’ Incident?
In the viral video, the incident reportedly occurred during the match between Saltburn and Norton when the ball passed close to batter Nauman Shabbir.
A fielder positioned at first slip allegedly made a clicking sound with his fingers, creating the impression that the ball had made contact with the batter’s bat before reaching the wicketkeeper.
The wicketkeeper immediately appealed for a catch, and the umpire subsequently gave the batter out.
However, Nauman Shabbir reportedly attempted to explain to the umpire that the ball had not touched his bat and that the nearby fielder had deliberately produced the clicking sound with his fingers.
His appeal was rejected, and the dismissal stood.
The video later went viral on social media, with many cricket fans describing the incident as an unusual and controversial example of alleged cheating in cricket.
Cricket League Launches Investigation
The league administration has confirmed that it has received an official complaint regarding the incident and has launched a formal investigation.
Officials said that no further comments would be made until the inquiry has been completed.
The investigation is expected to determine exactly what happened during the match and whether any player breached the rules or spirit of the game.
More Allegations Emerge
Following the controversy, further allegations have emerged.
Middlesbrough Second XI captain Rory Cottrell claimed that his team had also experienced two similar incidents in which opposition players allegedly attempted to create artificial sounds to deceive batters into believing that the ball had hit the bat.
The latest controversy occurred during a match in which Saltburn defeated Norton by 159 runs, strengthening Saltburn’s position at the top of the Division Two points table.
Why Is It Being Called ‘Clicky Ponting’?
The incident was given the nickname “Clicky Ponting” on social media, a reference that quickly gained attention among cricket followers.
The controversy was also criticized by prominent British journalist Piers Morgan, who described the alleged tactic as being against the spirit of cricket.
Media outlets in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom have also highlighted the unusual cricket controversy.
Meanwhile, Saltburn Cricket Club and Norton Cricket Club have declined to provide detailed comments on the allegations.
The cricket community is now awaiting the outcome of the league’s investigation, which is expected to determine whether the alleged incident constituted misconduct or a breach of the spirit of the game.
