A North Yorkshire cricket club is under investigation after allegations emerged that one of its players attempted to deceive umpires by clicking his fingers to imitate the sound of the ball edging the bat.
The incident is alleged to have taken place during Saturday’s Division Two fixture between Saltburn Cricket Club and Norton Cricket Club. Footage from the match has since gone viral on social media, attracting millions of views and sparking widespread debate.
The video appears to show a fielder positioned at slip making a finger-clicking motion as the ball passes the batter. Moments later, the wicketkeeper takes the catch behind the stumps, prompting a loud appeal from the fielding side before the umpire gives the batter out.
Many social media users have claimed the player deliberately attempted to recreate the sound of an edge in an effort to influence the umpire’s decision.
In response to the controversy, the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League confirmed that it has launched a formal investigation after receiving an official complaint regarding the alleged incident.
In a statement, the league said it would conduct a full investigation and would not provide any further comment until its disciplinary procedures have been completed.
Saltburn Cricket Club currently lead the Division Two standings after winning 10 of their 15 league matches this season.
The club’s wicketkeeper has also enjoyed an outstanding campaign, leading the division with 34 fielding dismissals, including 31 catches behind the stumps. Earlier this month, he recorded eight catches in Saltburn’s 22-run victory over Shildon Railway Cricket Club.
Following the circulation of the viral footage, Middlesbrough second XI captain Rory Cotterill also alleged that two similar incidents involving Saltburn had occurred during a fixture between the sides in June.
The league’s investigation will now determine whether any breach of the rules or sporting conduct took place.
