The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has launched an inquiry after alleged cheating claims against Saltburn CC went viral on social media. Video footage that has attracted millions of views worldwide allegedly shows Saltburn's first slip snapping his fingers as the ball goes past the bat, which it is claimed was an effort to deceive the umpire into thinking there was contact with the wicketkeeper.
The Incident
The controversial incident occurred during the weekend's second division encounter between Saltburn 2nds and Norton 2nds. The batsman in the footage objected after being dismissed. Saltburn secured victory by 159 runs.
The original poster described it as "about the worst case of cheating I’ve ever seen in cricket" and tagged TalkSport, BBC's Test Match Special, Sky Sports Cricket, and the Tailenders Podcast.
Social Media Reaction
Social media sleuths have revisited previous Saltburn dismissals and have been sharing footage from as far back as last season, which they allege demonstrates the same fielder clicking during other now-questionable wickets. "Bet the Saltburn CC WhatsApp it’s absolute cinema atm," one fan joked, while a second said: "Throw the book at him and the club, cheats!"
Piers Morgan commented: "Outrageous cheating, and just the tip of the iceberg from all that’s come out since it was exposed. Clicky Ponting (as he is now known) and various team-mates at Saltburn CC, have clearly been at this shameful scam for years. Imagine doing this in local amateur cricket? Pathetic!"
League Statement
A statement from the NYSD Premier Cricket League read: "The League have received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday 25th July 2026. A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made."
