Village cricket ‘clicking’ cheating scandal erupts as statement released
It’s all kicking off in village cricket, or should I say clicking off.
A cheating scandal has rocked the world of grassroots cricket, following an incident in North Yorkshire.
Saltburn Cricket Club were facing Norton Cricket Club in Division Two of the North Yorkshire and South Durham League for their 2nd XI match last weekend when they won by an absolutely mega 159 runs.
However, a statement has now been released by the league, as it has announced an investigation is taking place into allegations of clicking on the pitch.
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Users on social media have called it ‘about the worst case of cheating I’ve ever seen in cricket’ as it’s alleged to have taken places at other matches in the past.
Basically, for those of you who don’t know what I mean by ‘clicking’, I literally mean, someone was clicking their fingers during play.
Therefore, this noise would theoretically mimic the sound of an edge off the bat, fooling the umpire.
A video from the match at the weekend, showed a ball delivered by Saltburn bowler Sam Morrison passing the bat of Nortman batsman Noman Shabir without making contact with it.
However, at the same time, Saltburn’s slip fielder seems to click his finger.
And then, when Slatburn wicketkeeper Josh Bowes takes the ball, Saltburn appeal and the umpire gives Shabir out.
He quite clearly objects to this dismissal, seemingly trying to convey to the umpire that he hadn’t hit the ball after all and instead, the noise heard was clicking.
The footage has gone viral, leading to other clips of similar incidents to surface and online sleuths to dig up ‘evidence’.
And the North Yorkshire and South Durham League have addressed it on social media, sharing the following statement: “The League have received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday. A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made.”
Unsurprisingly, the videos are absolutely doing the rounds on social media, with cricket fans saying their ‘blood boiled’ when they saw it.
“Needs banning for life,” one slammed.
Even Piers Morgan has chimed in on the scandal, writing on X: “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 teammates at Saltburn CC, have clearly been at this shameful scam for years. Imagine doing this in local amateur cricket? Pathetic.”
Others call it ‘disgraceful’ and ‘just pathetic’.
“Against the spirit of the game,” another wrote. “What is the need to cheat?. Good punishment should be given so that no one repeats it.”
“No words. Brings the fabulous game into disrepute. I hope serious consequences are forthcoming,” others agreed, while some simply asked: “How on earth did the umpire fall for this?”
“That's just not cricket Saltburn Clickit Club...”
The LADbible Group has contacted Saltburn Cricket Club and Norton Cricket Club for comment.
Jess Battison