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The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League has launched an investigation into serious allegations of cheating after a Saltburn player was accused of simulating a caught-behind dismissal by clicking his fingers.
A video which has gone viral on social media appears to show the fielder making the sound with his fingers as the ball passed Norton batter Noman Shabir’s bat, moments before wicketkeeper Josh Bowes completed the catch behind the stumps.
Shabir was left visibly distraught by the umpire’s decision after being given out as he tried to point out that the sound made as the ball passed the bat came from a nearby fielder, but his protests fell on deaf ears.
Footage of the incident has since garnered significant international attention, with the original social media post tagging several high-profile sports outlets including BBC Test Match Special, Sky Sports Cricket and the Tailenders podcast, which is co-hosted by England bowling great James Anderson alongside Greg James and Felix White.
The post read: “First slip clicks his fingers to imitate an edge, bat nowhere near it and given out. This is about the worst case of cheating I’ve ever seen in cricket. Apparently, their keeper has a huge amount of catches this season.”
The incident occurred during a match where Division Two leaders Saltburn secured a 159-run victory, placing them 17 points clear at the top of the table.
Responding to the controversy, the NYSD League issued a statement on X, confirming: “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.”
Saltburn Cricket Club has been approached for comment (Cricket Yorkshire)
Further claims have emerged, with Middlesbrough’s second XI captain, Rory Cotterill, alleging two additional instances of cheating during his side’s 29-run defeat to Saltburn last month.
The viral footage has sparked widespread condemnation globally, with the incident making headlines across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA.
The Press Association has sought comment from the NYSD League and Saltburn, while Norton has declined to speak on the matter.