Blogger’s Note: On the surface, I am not convinced that an Umpire (so far away) – at the other end of the pitch – would hear the “clicking” sound made with the snapping-fingers by a fielder who is stood so many feet away from the Wicket-Keeper and the adjacent Batsman (the Batsman who is receiving the ball from the Bowler). Anyone who knows cricket – will understand that there is a lot going when the ball is being bowled. Add to this the players talking, shouting, running about, and the noise from the crowd and the general environment, as well as the weather conditions – I would say it is impossible to a) make a loud enough noise to fool the Umpire (simulating a leather ball is hitting a wooden bat), whilst b) doing this so as not to make it obvious you are attempting to cheat. There is now a viral investigation where cricket enthusiasts are watching past videos of Saltburn CC games – to see if the alleged fielder is regularly doing this. A recent video can be seen on the BBC coverage of this story – and it looks to me like a mannerism – but I could be wrong. More evidence is needed. Apparently, despite being local cricket, numerous videos are available of Saltburn CC playing matches – but failing that (the situation may not be obvious whilst filming at a distance) – the players might have to be interviewed and a confession extracted if this matter is to be resolved. There is another possibility. As Saltburn CC seems to be doing rather well for itself – has it fallen victim to malicious intent from an unknown cause? ACW (29.7.2026)
The North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League have launched an investigation after cheating allegations against Saltburn CC went viral.
Footage which has been viewed millions of times around the world, and has been covered by global news organisations, allegedly appears to show Saltburn’s first slip clicking his fingers as the ball passes the bat to trick the umpire into believing there was an edge to the wicketkeeper.
The incident took place in the weekend’s second division clash between Saltburn 2nds and Norton 2nds, with the batsman protesting in the clip after being given out. Saltburn won the match by 159 runs and currently sit top of the league table.
As the footage went viral, internet sleuths went back to watch previous Saltburn wickets and have been posting clips online dating back to last season which they claim show the same fielder clicking during other now-contentious wickets.
A statement from NYSD Premier Cricket League read: “The League have received a formal complaint regarding alleged incidents in a Division Two game on Saturday 25th July 2026. A full investigation has been initiated and until such time as the formal processes are complete no further comment will be made.”
The incident has been met with anger by many cricket fans on social media. Ben Mummery, who posted the original video that went viral on X, said ‘it’s not cricket’. Others agreed that it was ‘against the spirit of the game’.
Both Saltburn CC and Norton CC have been contacted by the Gazette for comment.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 