Cricket world sends tributes after Aussie icon Ian Chappell's sad announcement

Australian cricket legend Ian Chappell has decided to call it quits on his career in journalism after 52 years.

The 81-year-old sporting icon hasn't played professional cricket since 1980, but has been prolific as a cricket broadcaster and writer since then.

On Sunday, Chappell called time on his writing career.

'In my playing days I asked former Australia captain Richie Benaud if retirement was a difficult decision. 'No Ian,' Benaud replied wisely, 'It's easy. You'll know the right time',' Chappell wrote for ESPNcricinfo.

'Always astute, Benaud was correct. Retirement from journalism is similar to cricket — I knew the time was right.'

After retirement from cricket, Chappell teamed up with Benaud, Bill Lawry and Tony Grieg to form a broadcasting team.

And although he is best remembered for his moments on television, Chappell was often even more insightful behind a keyboard.

'Talented magazine and later website owner Eric Beecher gave me my first writing job in 1973,' he wrote on Sunday.

'He later organised a meeting with Graham Perkin, the editor of The Age, who contracted me to write for the newspaper.

'When we first met, Perkin asked if I'd like a ghost writer. I said I'd like to write my own stuff for six weeks and he could then judge. I never heard from Perkin, so consequently, writing has been all my own work. Sadly, Perkin died way too young, at age 45.

'I'm extremely grateful to my bosses of more than two decades, Clayton Murzello of Mid-Day and Sambit Bal from Cricinfo; they've given me free rein and plenty of encouragement.

'For around 40 years I've been writing on a computer. The improvement over using a typewriter is mainly the ease of being able to cut and paste. It's a big advance on having to discard, then rewrite copy paper.

'However, the time has come to close the writing section of my computer. I wish each and every one who has helped and befriended me along the way all the best in their future endeavours.'

Tributes have been flowing on social media since Chappell's announcement.

One fan posted: 'One of the giants of the game, who became a fearless writer. Will miss his articles, Go well Ian Chappell Wish you good health always.'

Another wrote: 'Always miss his unbiased thoughts and ideas. Had always been very insightful.'

A third posted: 'Farewell Ian Chappell, the writer. He was my absolute favourite growing up. His insights and his way of looking at things was marvelously different from others. Will miss his columns.'