Australian cricket great David Boon says he felt “privileged” to stay so connected to international cricket and walked away with “mixed emotions” after officiating in his 396th and final match as a match referee. Boon, who scored more than 13,000 runs for Australia across Tests and ODIs, finished up in Chattogram where hosts Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe, bringing down the curtain on 14 years of globe hopping after his playing career. The 64-year-old, who will now join Cricket Australia as a board director, said he hoped he “made a difference and contributed to officiating the world game”. Boon officiated in 87 Tests, 183 ODIs and 119 T20Is in the men’s game and 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 earnt high praise from ICC chair Jay Shah for setting a “benchmark” in officiating. “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. “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. “We know that Australian cricket will benefit greatly from his expertise and vision.”