New Delhi [India]: When David Boon made his playing debut for Tasmania during the 1978–79 season, he became involved with competitive cricket as a youngster. According to the ICC’s official website, Boon quickly established himself in international cricket and went on to have a prosperous 12-year career, amassing 13,386 runs and 26 hundreds for Australia.

In 1999, he retired from playing first-class cricket and joined the Tasmanian Cricket Association in an administrative capacity. After joining the Australian national team selection panel in 2000, he managed the men’s squad for the following 11 years, leading them to two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and two ICC Champions Trophy competitions.

Boon expanded his connection to the game in 2011 when he was appointed a match referee. He flourished in this capacity, appearing in 388 international matches before joining the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

Boon expressed his sincere gratitude for the support he has gotten while serving as match referee ahead of his 389th and last match, which he supervised during the Bangladesh vs. Zimbabwe Test match at Chattogram.

“I want to express my gratitude to the ICC, global cricket, and all of my friends and family for their involvement in this. Thank to everybody. It has been an amazing fourteen years,” Boon said, as cited by the ICC’s official website.

When asked what he enjoyed most about the position, Boon acknowledged that it was a fantastic opportunity to continue participating in the sport at its best level and to have some effect.

“(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,” he said.

Boon, who will now join Cricket Australia’s Board, was honoured by ICC Chair Jay Shah.

“On behalf of the International Cricket Council, I extend my gratitude to David Boon for his outstanding service as an ICC match referee,” Shah said, according to the ICC’s official website.

“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,” he said.

“There are numerous difficulties in officiating international cricket, but David’s impartial decisions and perceptive observations have always won the respect of teammates, support staff, and players. “His integrity and professionalism have established a standard for match officials throughout the sport,” he said.

“I am sure David will bring the same commitment and leadership that have characterised his career to his new position with the Cricket Australia Board. His knowledge and vision will be invaluable to Australian cricket, and we wish him well in this new phase,” he added.

Boon claimed to have many happy recollections of his time as a cricket umpire, but he also offered some ideas about potential areas for improvement.

Regarding the over rates, I’m not sure whether we have that correct. “Play speed can be a problem,” Boon said.

“And I’d hope from an administrative point of view we have a massive umbrella over cricket, and every nation looks at themselves as being under that umbrella form rather than their own little pieces of turf,” he said.

Boon acknowledged that it was difficult to express his thoughts as this phase of his career came to a conclusion, having previously travelled the world with the game for over 50 years.

“I think surreal is the best way to describe it,” he said.

“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,” he said.