Cricket community pay tribute as Ian Chappell calls time on commentary career

After an incredible 45 years behind the microphone, prominent cricket commentator Ian Chappell has announced his retirement from the commentary box.

Chappel traded the cricket pitch for the broadcast studio in the 1980s, joining the likes of fellow icons Richie Benaud, Bill Lawry, and Tony Greig. However, a series of recent health scares prompted Chappell to consider retirement.

“I had a minor stroke a few years back and I got off lucky. But it just makes everything harder,” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

“And I just thought with all the travel and walking up stairs and things like that, it’s all just going to get harder.

Chappell claimed recently retired rugby league commentator Ray Warren’s comments on retirement “really struck home” and encouraged him to hang up the microphone.

When asked what he believes the fans will remember him most for, Chappell said that “it’s up to other people to decide what they think of me and some will think I’ve been all right”.

“Some will think I’ve been a pr**k. That doesn’t bother me one bit,” he said.

Commonly known as “Chappelli”, he played 75 tests throughout his cricket career achieving 5345 runs and 14 centuries. He captained Australia between 1971 and 1975 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the greatest captains the game has seen.

In 1986, Chappell was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the FICA Cricket Hall of Fame in 2000, and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2003 and the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.

Chappell began writing magazine articles and a column for The Age in 1973 and provided television commentary for the 0–10 Network and the BBC.

He co-hosted Wide World of Sports for Channel Nine alongside Mike Gibson in the 1980s. Chappell began working as a commentator for Channel Nine’s cricket coverage during the 1980–81 season.

Following Chappell’s retirement, the cricketing community joined fans in wishing him all the best while reflecting on his long career both on the field and in the commentary box.

Former cricketer and now commentator Sanjay Manjrekar wished Chappell a “happy retirement”.

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

Fellow cricket commentator and former Australian cricketer Lisa Sthalekar shared a touching moment she shared with Chappell.

Oh ???? when I first wanted to get into commentary, Ian Chappell was extremely kind in sitting down with me & giving me his tips of the trade. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for his help & how he and the rest of @wwos team shaped cricket broadcast. #Thankful https://t.co/ofthKPoXZj

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) August 15, 2022

One of THE best commentators, someone who I have had the privilege of working with and most importantly called the game as he saw it #IanChappell has retired. Fantastic human being. NEVER complained about anything. Put in a lot of effort in to his commentary and that showed!

— RK (@RK_sports) August 15, 2022

Here’s wishing Ian Chappell a happy retired life. Never shy of calling a spade a spade, and one of the finest professionals I’ve ever worked with. pic.twitter.com/xiQ4V5Ez3Q

— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) August 16, 2022

A huge loss to the Cricket Community. He along with Michael Holding were the best two in the game.

— Masood Tyabji (@MTyabji) August 15, 2022

Sad to hear this. Exceptional and rare no-nonsense commentator. Happy retirement.

— Paresh Y Murudkar (@PareshMurudkar) August 15, 2022

The clarity and decisiveness of this man is unparalleled. Always loved his little anecdotes and stories from the eras gone by. One of the most knowledgeable and insightful commentators in any sport. You’ll be missed, chappeli.

— MG (@ManeeshGiri_) August 15, 2022