A viral video that appears to show a Saltburn fielder clicking his fingers to mimic the sound of a ball hitting the bat has sparked an investigation by the North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League.
The incident occurred during a Division Two match between Saltburn and Norton at Saltburn's home ground. Footage shows the fielder making the noise as the ball passes Noman Shabir's bat before wicketkeeper Josh Bowes takes the catch. Saltburn appeal and the umpire gives Shabir out, who looks bemused.
“Saltburn Cricket Club investigated after viral video appears to show fielder clicking fingers to fake an edge.”
The league confirmed on X that they received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in the game, played on Saturday, July 25. "A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made," the statement read.
The original video has amassed more than five million views on X, with publications in Australia and New Zealand among those reporting it. Users online branded it "scandalous", with X user Ben Mummery coining the term "click gate" and calling it "about the worst case of cheating I've ever seen in cricket".
Rory Cotterill, who captained Middlesbrough second XI in a 29-run defeat to Saltburn last month, responded to a social media post alleging two further incidents of cheating by Saltburn in that match.
Saltburn won the match by 159 runs and sit top of Division 2 by 18 points. Bowes, the wicketkeeper, leads league standings with 31 catches – 10 more than any other player. Last week he took eight catches in a 22-run win over Shildon Railway; the men's Test record for catches by a keeper in an innings is seven.
BBC Sport understands a meeting between Saltburn, the league and legal representatives is due to take place on Tuesday night. Saltburn Cricket Club has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
