Village cricket ‘cheating scandal’ grips nation as exposing video goes viral online

"This is worse than sandpaper gate"

Saltburn Cricket Club, who currently sit top of the North Yorkshire & South Durham Cricket League Division Two, have found themselves at the centre of a growing cheating controversy after videos of their fielding tactics went viral online.

The club has been accused of using a so-called "clicking" tactic, with many claiming it has helped them to the top of the table.

In clips shared on X, a fielder stationed at first slip can allegedly be heard clicking his fingers at the exact moment the ball reaches the batter, creating the illusion that it has nicked the edge of the bat.

The tactic is said to trick batters into thinking they've edged the ball, potentially influencing whether they walk or how umpires perceive close appeals.

When the fielder then catches the ball, considering the sound — and the fact that local league cricket does not have access to the type of hotspot or snicko technology that aids professional umpires — the on-field officials have no choice but to give the batter out.

In many of the clips shared online, there appears to be a clear gap between bat and ball - and yet the umpire still gives the player out, implying that the call was made as a result of the clicking sound.

Research done by Australian outlet News.com.au, has unveiled that Saltburn's wicket keeper has made 31 catches in his last eight matches, including eight all within a single game.

The world record for the most catches by a wicket keeper in a Test match innings stands at seven.

Claims of misconduct by Saltburn were first raised by X user Ben Mummery.

He said: "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.”

These claims were then backed up by Middlesbrough captain Rory Cotterill, who is said to have witnessed the alleged cheating first hand.

He added: "Boro 2s skippa here, was 2 more incidents during this game, leading to a 15 and 16 year old being cheated out of an innings, along with this one.

"We lost this game by 29 runs. Shocking.”

Statement from the league:

On Tuesday (28th July) Saltburn's league confirmed an investigation into their actions was underway, writing: “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.”