David Boon Bids Farewell As ICC Match Referee After 396 Matches
Former Australian cricketer David Boon has retired from his role as an ICC match referee after overseeing his 396th match during the recently-concluded second Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe on April 30 (Wednesday) at Chattogram, Bangladesh.
Boon joined the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees in 2011 and has since officiated in 87 Tests, 183 ODIs and 119 T20Is in men’s cricket, along with seven women’s T20Is.
Boon had a 12-year long international cricket career, playing 107 Test matches and scoring 7,422 runs with 21 centuries. In 181 ODIs, he scored 5,964 runs, including five centuries. He is remembered for his match-winning innings of 75 runs against England in the 1987 World Cup final, which helped Australia clinch their maiden World Cup title.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah Congratulates Boon
ICC Chairman Jay Shah congratulated Boon for his outstanding service to the game as a match official. He said, “On behalf of the International Cricket Council, I extend my gratitude to David Boon for his outstanding service as an ICC match referee. Over the years, he has combined his unparalleled experience as a world-class player with a remarkable level of patience and keen attention to detail.”
“Officiating international cricket poses many challenges, yet David’s fair-minded judgments and thoughtful insights consistently earned the respect of players, support staff, and colleagues alike. His professionalism and integrity have set a benchmark for match officials across the sport.
“As he embarks on his new role with the Cricket Australia Board, I am confident that David will bring the same dedication and leadership that have defined his career. We wish him every success in this next chapter, and we know that Australian cricket will benefit greatly from his expertise and vision.”
David Boon’s Farewell Message
In his farewell statement, Boon thanked the ICC and Cricket Australia, saying he felt honoured to contribute to the game in multiple roles over the years. Boon Said, “It is with mixed emotions that I finish my time as a match referee with the ICC. It has been an incredible honor 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.
“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.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the ICC and Cricket Australia for their support over the years in this chapter of my involvement in the game. I also extend my thanks to all the umpires I have worked with and my fellow referees for being such fantastic colleagues and more notably great people.
“Most importantly and critically, the strength, support and encouragement of my family, especially my wife Pip, cannot be measured along with those close friends at home who care during times of absence.
“I will stay associated with the game in my new role as a Board Director of Cricket Australia and hopefully I can continue to make a positive contribution to the game which I am sure will be enhanced by my experiences as a match referee.”
Boon will now join Cricket Australia as a board director. He has previously served as General Manager of Cricket Tasmania and was also a national selector for the Australian men’s team.
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