Cricket world pays tribute to Ian Chappell after sad announcement
The cricketing world has saluted Australian sporting icon Ian Chappell, after he announced he was retiring from his career as a commentator.
The 78-year-old great said the retirement earlier this year of Ray Warren had spurred his decision, adding that he would wear his reputation as a curmudgeon with pride.
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Chappell turned to commentary following his Test career came to a close, with the former Australian captain joining the likes of Richie Benaud, Bill Lawry and Tony Greig in the box.
The quartet became a staple of cricket coverage in Australia, helping establish the legendary status of Channel 9's Wide World of Sports program.
Well known for his dry wit and an ability to speak his mind bluntly no matter the issue, Chappell remarked that people were free to make their minds up about him on their own - where they landed was of no consequence to him.
Chappell said that criticism was always meant to be in service of the game.
"It's up to other people to decide what they think of me and some will think I've been all right," Chappell told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"Some will think I've been a prick. That doesn't bother me one bit."
Cricket world pays tribute to Ian Chappell
Chappell said the retirement of Warren earlier this year already had him thinking about his future, however it was a specific comment from the rugby league great that grabbed his attention.
That, combined with the ongoing burden of travelling for a summer of cricket had motivated him into the decision.
"I had a minor stroke a few years back and I got off lucky. But it just makes everything harder," Chappell said.
"And I just thought with all the travel and walking up stairs and things like that, it's all just going to get harder.
"Then I read what Rabbits [recently retired rugby league commentator Ray Warren] said with retirement and it really struck home when I read the bit where he said, 'you're always one sentence closer to making a mistake'."
Fans of Chappell's work behind the microphone congratulated him on his career, with many remarking on the impact he'd had on their own careers.
Oh, real end of an era with Ian Chappell retiring. One of the thrills of my working life, commentating the Ashes with him on radio in what turned out to be his last season. And this is such a Chappelli way to go out. pic.twitter.com/FKM0dtwyub
— Geoff Lemon Sport (@GeoffLemonSport) August 15, 2022
Never pulled a punch,told it as it is, never talked down to anyone, wonderful professional & my role model for broadcasting work ethic. The great #IanChappell thinks it is time to retire from broadcasting. Was a privilege to work with him & I hope that proud voice is always heard
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 15, 2022
Ian Chappell has decided to retire from commentary after 45 years. He was part of a quartet of commentators, which I think will remain unmatched;Lawry ,Chappell ,Benaud and Greig. That is why we fell in love with Channel 9.
— Marius Erling (@erling_sami) August 14, 2022
15yrs on from the thrill of having Chapelli summarise with me on my first ever intl commentary with TMS, turns out I was involved for his last season of commentary, with ABC. A total icon of Nine’s Wide World of Sport.🎙 Glad we’ll still get to read his forthright columns. https://t.co/HiEAyCDoMf
— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) August 15, 2022
My idol, my mentor, the greatest blessing I have had as commentator was the company of Ian Chappell the commentator. Happy retirement Chappelli!
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 15, 2022
Sad news today that Ian Chappell retiring from commentary..the best Test captain I ever saw and as a pundit the best summariser..Fence sitting not on his agenda..I salute you Chappelli for a successful career in cricket truly fulfilled. 👍💯🏏🏏🏏 @CazCutts1
— Paul Atkins (@PaulAtk52540619) August 15, 2022
Sad to hear that Ian Chappell wont be comentating anymore, but what a career he has had, as a player, as a captain, as rebel who led the World Series Cricket movement, and finally as a commentator. Hats off to you sir on a well deserved retirement.
— Avi Banerjee (@AvirupBanerje20) August 15, 2022
with AAP
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