Match referee David Boon speaks to Tom Latham of New Zealand during the second test against India at Pune, India, 24 October 2024. Photo: Photosport
Long the nemesis of the Black Caps as a player, Australian David Boon has called time on his career as a match referee.
Boon, 64, has officiated for 14 years as a match referee, chalking up 389 internationals, the last of which was Bangladesh's resounding home win over Zimbabwe in a test that ended in Chattogram on Wednesday.
It was an even longer stint that his playing career in which he represented Australia for 12 years, scoring 13,386 runs which included 26 centuries.
He scored a double century against New Zealand in Perth in 1989 and two other test centuries and one at ODI level against the Black Caps.
The predominantly No 3 batter also had 11 years as an Australian national selector before he turned to the referee job.
He will now take up a position on Cricket Australia's board.
ICC chairperson Jay Shah said Boon had given outstanding service as a 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."
Boon thanked his family and friends for what he termed a "a fantastic 14 years'' as a match referee.
"(I enjoyed) being in a role that helps the nations, the teams, and the venues to run the game in its best form and make sure it's presented to the world in its best form," he said.
"And on another note, to help the umpires be at their best in the middle of the park as well."
Boon said he had some concerns about over rates in cricket. "Pace of play can also be an issue."
He said it felt surreal to be finishing up.
"But I've been travelling the world for cricket in various roles as a player, an administrator, and a selector since I was 16 so it's time to go home."
