英格兰业余板球运动员Brian Devine因涉嫌在击球时点击手指以模仿边界音效来欺骗裁判而遭停赛。[1][2] Saltburn板球俱乐部发表声明，该球员已被停赛，本赛季及可预见的将来不会再为俱乐部出赛。[1][2] 北约克郡和南达勒姆板球联赛于2026年7月25日收到正式投诉后已启动调查。[2]
数据分析显示了这一指控的异常迹象。[2] 在Devine参赛的13场比赛中，守门员接杀数量高达39次，而在他不参赛的7场比赛中仅为5次。[2] 尽管这些统计数字引发关注，但调查仍在进行中，指控尚未被证实。[2]
澳大利亚快速投球手Josh Hazlewood对此事发表了看法，表示这类行为在业余板球中由来已久，他指出："这类事情已经存在100年了，只是现在通过直播才被人们发现。"[1] Devine在英国媒体中被讽刺性地冠以"Clicky Ponting"的绰号，以此参照澳大利亚传奇板球运动员Ricky Ponting。[1]
English amateur cricketer Brian Devine has been suspended following allegations that he simulated boundary sounds by clicking his fingers to deceive umpires.[1][2] Saltburn Cricket Club announced that Devine has been stood down for the remainder of the season and the foreseeable future pending the outcome of an investigation.[1][2] The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League launched an official inquiry after receiving a formal complaint on July 25, 2026.[2]
Statistical analysis has raised further questions about Devine's participation.[2] In the 13 matches Devine played, fielders recorded 39 catches, compared to only 5 catches across 7 matches when he did not participate.[2] However, the allegations remain unproven as investigations continue.[2]
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has commented on the controversy, stating that such conduct has existed in amateur cricket for a century but is only now receiving public attention due to live-streamed footage.[1] Devine has drawn criticism from prominent figures including media personality Piers Morgan and former South African cricketer Dale Steyn.[1] The English media has dubbed him "Clicky Ponting," a reference to Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting.[1]