'Mixed emotions': Cricket world reacts to news about Aussie legend David Boon

Yahoo

30-04-2025

David Boon is being hailed around the cricket world after the Aussie legend stood in his last game as an international match referee on Wednesday. The 64-year-old - widely adored around the cricket world - oversaw the last of nearly 400 international matches in the Bangladesh city of Chattogram as the hosts beat Zimbabwe in the second Test.
Boon's career as a match referee lasted even longer than his illustrious spell as one of Australia's most beloved Test players. Still unmistakable due to the lavish moustache he's sported throughout his whole career, Boon is going on to join Cricket Australia as a Board Director.
"I hope that I leave having made a difference and contributed to officiating the world game," said Boon, whose 14 years as a match referee marked two more than his 12 as a player. ICC Chair Jay Shah led the tributes to Boon, saying: "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.
"David's fair-minded judgements 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. We know that Australian cricket will benefit greatly from his expertise and vision."
On behalf of the @ICC, I extend my gratitude to David Boon for his outstanding service as an ICC match referee. His professionalism and integrity have set a benchmark for match officials across our sport and we wish him success in his next role as Board Director at @CricketAus. pic.twitter.com/UJ6Zfv4SaQ
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) April 30, 2025
Boon made special mention of wife Pip as he thanked his family for their support following a globetrotting career that saw him officiate in 396 international matches. He oversaw 87 Tests, 183 ODIs and 119 T20 internationals in the men's game, as well seven women's T20Is.
"It is with mixed emotions that I finish my time as a match referee with the ICC. It has been an incredible honour and pleasure to be a part of this journey spanning nearly 14 years," he said.
"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 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."
Boon played 107 Tests and 181 ODIs for Australia, scoring over 13,000 runs for his country combined. He remains a much-loved and respected figure among the new generation of players, and the tales of his antics off the field are well known.
He famously drank 52 cans of beer on a flight to England for the Ashes series in 1989, a tale that he conceded might have been "greatly embellished down the years". But what remains a fact is that he averaged 55 in that series as Australia dominated the old enemy.
He was player of the final as Australia won the 1987 World Cup, and was named international cricketer of that year. On Wednesday, cricket fans and commentators flocked to social media to congratulate him on the end of his officiating career.
My childhood fan in Australian cricket team,best wishes to David Boon @JayShah @ICC @CricketAus
— Girinath k.Reddy (@giri_reddy_24) April 30, 2025
Wishing David Boon all the best in his new role at Cricket Australia.
— Rubi (@Rubi4377) April 30, 2025
Great
— RAVI PRAKASH (@TheRavi_Prakash) April 30, 2025
Clapping 👋🏼👏🏼
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) April 28, 2025
with AAP