David Boon, former Australian cricketer and long-serving ICC match referee, steps down after officiating 396 international matches over a 14-year career.

Australian cricket icon David Boon has officially stepped down as an ICC match referee after 396 international matches, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished 14-year officiating career.

His final assignment came in Chattogram, where Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe in a bilateral series, a quiet yet fitting close to a chapter marked by fairness, calm authority, and lifelong dedication to the game.

Boon, 64, is no stranger to long cricketing journeys. A mainstay of the Australian batting lineup through the 1980s and early ’90s, he scored 7422 runs in 107 Tests and 5964 runs in 181 One-Day Internationals, earning admiration for his grit, concentration, and reliability at the crease. But in the years following his playing days, Boon carved out an equally respected second act in the world of international cricket—this time, in the official’s chair.

Since joining the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees in 2011, Boon has overseen 87 Test matches, 183 ODIs, and 119 T20 Internationals. His officiating resume also includes seven women’s T20Is, making him one of the most experienced and well-rounded figures in the officiating circuit.

He brought to the role the same cool temperament and cricketing intelligence that defined his playing days, quietly influencing the game’s integrity from behind the scenes.

“It is with mixed emotions that I finish my time as a match referee with the ICC,” Boon said in a statement. “It has been an incredible honour and pleasure to be a part of this journey spanning nearly 14 years. I am grateful for the friendships and experiences the game has provided me.”

ICC Chair Jay Shah praised Boon’s contribution, describing him as a model of professionalism. “David’s fair-minded judgments and thoughtful insights consistently earned the respect of players, support staff, and colleagues alike. His dedication has left an enduring mark on the sport and set high standards for match officials.”

Boon reserved his most heartfelt thanks for his wife, Pip, and his family, acknowledging the personal sacrifices that often come with a life on the road. “The strength, support, and encouragement of my family, especially Pip, cannot be measured,” he said.

Though stepping away from officiating, Boon isn’t walking away from cricket. He will now serve as a Board Director at Cricket Australia, continuing a lifelong association with the game that spans decades and continents.

Previously, he has also served as a national selector and held administrative roles with Cricket Tasmania, showcasing his wide-ranging contributions to the sport.

From stories of legendary drinking feats on Ashes tours—tales he insists have been “greatly embellished”—to helping Australia win the 1987 World Cup, David Boon has always been more than just a cricketer.

With nearly four decades of service across playing, officiating, and administration, his presence in cricket remains as strong and dignified as ever.