Brian Devine, a veteran club cricketer in England, is facing an official investigation by the North Yorkshire & South Durham Premier Cricket League.
Video footage emerged showing him allegedly clicking his fingers to mimic the sound of an edge, deceiving umpires into awarding catches.
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Devine, who works as a financial manager and company secretary at Northallerton Auctions Limited, reportedly used the tactic during a second XI match for Saltburn Cricket Club against Norton.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation on social media and in international sports circles.
British media outlets have dubbed Devine "Clicky Ponting."
Prominent broadcaster Piers Morgan publicly condemned the alleged conduct, calling it "outrageous cheating" and suggesting it was part of a long-running pattern.
"Clicky Ponting and various teammates at Saltburn CC have clearly been at this shameful scam for years," Morgan wrote.
He added: "Imagine doing this in local amateur cricket? Pathetic."
Former South African international bowler Dale Steyn also criticized Devine, calling him a "click clown."
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Family members defended Devine, but local sponsors moved to sever ties. Georgine Vaughan, Devine's mother-in-law, told the Daily Mail that the situation had escalated beyond control.
"It was only a little village cricket match and now it’s become this thing that’s all over the news and social media," she said.
Akmol Hussain, owner of local Indian restaurant Spices, immediately terminated his individual sponsorship deal with Devine, valued at approximately $1,905 plus dining discounts.
"I’m a huge cricket fan and what’s happened is very bad. It’s not in the spirit of this gentleman’s game," Hussain said.
Hussain expressed shock and disgust, adding that the video prompted him to cut ties with both the player and the club.
"He has damaged the reputation of cricket and my restaurant," he said.
Statistical analysis showed that Saltburn's second XI wicketkeepers registered 39 catches in 13 matches with Devine, compared to just five catches in seven matches without him.
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The NYSD Premier Cricket League investigation remains ongoing.
