Australian cricket legend David Boon has concluded his 14-year tenure as an ICC match referee
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David Boon Retires as ICC Match Referee After 14 Years, Joins Cricket Australia Board
David Boon, one of Australia’s most revered cricketing figures, has brought the curtain down on a distinguished 14-year stint as an ICC match referee, with the second Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in Chattogram marking his final assignment.
Boon, 64, leaves behind an impressive officiating legacy, having overseen 87 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 119 T20Is—including seven women's internationals—since taking up the role in 2010. His exit from match officiating marks the end of yet another chapter in a life devoted to cricket, spanning decades as a player, administrator, selector, and official.
Boon will now channel his wealth of experience into governance as a board director with Cricket Australia, continuing a long association with the national body, which previously included a role as a national selector. He also spent 12 years in administrative service with Cricket Tasmania following his retirement from international cricket in 1996.
Reflecting on his career, Boon described his time with the ICC as an "incredible honour and pleasure," adding, “I feel privileged to have stayed so connected to our great game... I hope that I leave having made a difference.”
Known for his straightforward demeanor and sharp cricketing mind, Boon did not shy away from addressing ongoing challenges in the game. He expressed concern about current over-rate regulations and the pace of play, suggesting that the ICC could revisit these areas. He also called for greater unity in the governance of the sport, advocating for a more cohesive global cricketing framework.
As a player, Boon’s contributions were legendary. From 1984 to 1996, he amassed 7,422 runs in 107 Tests, including 21 centuries, and 5,964 runs in 181 ODIs, with five centuries. He was a key part of four Ashes-winning campaigns and was named Player of the Final in Australia’s triumphant 1987 World Cup victory, scoring a crucial 75 against England.
While Boon’s days in the match referee’s seat have come to an end, his continued involvement at the board level ensures his impact on cricket is far from over. For a man who has given so much to the game, his voice and perspective remain as vital as ever.