A North Yorkshire cricket team at the centre of an investigation amid cheating accusations against one of their players have conceded their next match.
Saltburn Cricket Club, who have made national headlines, were due to face Marton Cricket Club on Wednesday but have since conceded the contest.
It comes after footage of an alleged finger-clicking incident, which took place in a Division Two match between Saltburn and Norton Cricket Club on Saturday, went viral on social media with the clip nearing five million views by lunchtime on Tuesday and the scandal dubbed ‘Clicky Ponting’.
Some users have suggested the fielder, seen standing at slip, clicks his fingers as the ball passes an opponent’s bat to imitate the noise of an edge.
The clip shows Saltburn’s wicketkeeper then catching the ball behind the stumps. The team appeals to the umpire, who gives the batter out.
In response, the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League says it has launched an investigation into the matter.
The player in question, when contacted for comment, declined to the Daily Mail.
“Naturally, I cannot comment on that,” he said. “I also cannot answer any questions because I am currently at work.”
Sky Sports News has contacted Saltburn Cricket Club for comment.
“The League have received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday,” a statement from North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League said.
“A full investigation has been initiated, and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made.”
Saltburn currently sit top of the Division Two league table having won 10 of their 15 matches this season.
The team’s wicketkeeper also leads the league for the most fielding dismissals – 34, of which 31 came from catches behind the stumps.
Earlier in July, Saltburn secured a 22-run victory against Shildon Railway Cricket Club, a match in which their wicketkeeper took eight catches.
After the video surfaced on social media, Middlesbrough second XI captain Rory Cotterill alleged that two further incidents had taken place during a game between his side and Saltburn in June.
Banton: ‘Clicky Ponting’ kind of clever but not acceptable
The story has engulfed the cricketing world, with discussions raging about what the next steps will be.
For England and Somerset’s Tom Banton, while it is a “clever” way of cricket it is not one that can be justified.
“It’s interesting, kind of clever in a way. But I cannot vouch for things like that, it’s not acceptable,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s been caught out and something is going to be done about it because I’m not sure it’s in the rules of cricket.”
