Abdul Jalil, known as ‘Chacha Cricket’, is about to retire as Pakistan’s well-known cheerleader. The third ODI between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore on June 4 will be his last match at home, but he plans to support the team during the three-Test series in England later this August.
Jalil started attending matches at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the 1980s and 1990s, where Pakistan often played. His distinct clothing, including a cap and dark-green kurta, made him recognizable. He left his job in the UAE to dedicate himself to cheering for Pakistan and was part of the 1999 Cricket World Cup team. Over the years, he has gained celebrity status in Pakistan and aims to use his fame for social initiatives.
“I have done everything for the love of the game and my country. My goal has been to be a great ambassador for the nation and bring joy to fans. After retirement, I also want to focus on welfare work,” Jalil said in a conversation with ESPNcricinfo.
Among his cherished memories of watching Pakistan, he highlighted the 1986 Sharjah Cup final, where Javed Miandad hit a six off Chetan Sharma on the last ball while chasing 246, and the 2017 Champions Trophy final, where Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs at the Oval.
“I was present when Javed Miandad hit that six on the last ball. It’s a moment I can never forget. Another unforgettable match was when we triumphed over India at The Oval in 2017,” he recalled.
However, being a sport fan isn’t always joyful. Jalil shared that the two most disappointing moments for him were Pakistan’s losses to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2011 World Cup semi-finals.
“They struggled to chase 120 against India in New York during the 2024 T20 World Cup. I had traveled far to support them,” he said about the 2024 match.
“I went through a long journey for that day—traveling from Sri Lanka to Karachi to Sialkot and then crossing into India. We could have won, but mistakes happen. Wins and losses are part of the sport,” he added, reflecting on the 2011 semi-final.
At 77, Jalil feels satisfied with his experiences watching Pakistan play and now aims to open a restaurant and museum in his hometown of Sialkot, Punjab.
“I will showcase all the memorabilia I’ve collected over the years in the museum. I had set a goal to cheer for Pakistan in 500 matches, and I have achieved that,” he said.