Pakistan’s most celebrated cricket supporter Abdul Jalil, popularly known as Chacha Cricket, has decided to retire from cheering for the national side later this year.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the third and final one-day international between Pakistan and Australia in Lahore next week will mark his final appearance supporting Pakistan at home.
The 77-year-old said he still hopes to travel to England during Pakistan’s Test tour this summer to support the side from the stands for one final overseas assignment.
Abdul Jalil said he had achieved his long-standing target of supporting Pakistan in 500 matches.
“I have done everything for the love of cricket and my country,” he said. “My mission was always to serve as an ambassador for Pakistan and spread happiness through the game.”
After retirement, Jalil intends to engage in welfare work and establish a museum in his hometown of Sialkot to preserve cricket memorabilia collected over several decades.
“I want to build a museum where items connected to cricket will be displayed,” he said.
Chacha Cricket first watched a match in Lahore during England’s tour of Pakistan in 1968-69 and later became a familiar figure at Sharjah Cricket Stadium during the 1980s and 1990s.
His green kurta and cap turned him into one of Pakistan cricket’s most recognisable supporters, while his presence at international matches earned him admiration across the cricketing world.
Among his most treasured memories are Javed Miandad’s last-ball six against India in Sharjah in 1986 and Pakistan’s victory over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval.
He also recalled painful defeats against India, including Pakistan’s loss in the 2011 World Cup semi-final at Mohali and the defeat in New York during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Despite Pakistan’s recent struggles in international cricket, Jalil said he remained hopeful that fortunes would improve in the future.
