David Boon, the former Australian batsman, has concluded his distinguished 14-year career as an ICC match referee. His final assignment took place during the second Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in Chattogram. Boon’s illustrious officiating career spanned 87 Tests, 190 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 119 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), including seven matches in women’s T20I cricket.
Boon, now aged 64, is poised to embark on a new chapter as a board director at Cricket Australia (CA). This role follows his previous involvement with CA as a national selector and a career in cricket administration at Cricket Tasmania that lasted 12 years. These roles came after a solid 12-year international playing career.
Reflecting on his time as a match referee, Boon expressed his mixed emotions about leaving the position. “It is with mixed emotions that I finish my time as a match referee with the ICC,” he says. “It has been an incredible honour and pleasure to be a part of this journey spanning nearly 14 years. I am grateful for the opportunity, including the challenges, the many cherished memories, and friendships I’ve made along the way.”
Boon further highlighted his appreciation for remaining deeply involved in international cricket, saying, “I feel privileged to have stayed so connected to our great game, witnessing international cricket from such close quarters. I hope that I leave having made a difference and contributed to officiating the world game.”
Boon also took a moment to discuss areas for potential improvement within the ICC, particularly addressing the consistency of over rates. “I’m not sure about the over-rates, whether we’ve got that right,” he noted. “Pace of play can be an issue.”
During his playing days, Boon was a crucial figure for Australia from 1984 to 1996. He was instrumental in securing four Ashes series victories and played a pivotal role in winning the 1987 50-over World Cup, earning the title of ‘Player of the Final’ by scoring 75 runs against England. Boon’s playing statistics include 7,422 runs in 107 Tests, with 21 centuries, and 5,964 runs in 181 ODIs, with five centuries.
As Boon transitions to his new role, he leaves behind a legacy of commitment and contribution to cricket’s international scene, both on and off the field.
