![Chacha Cricket Pakistan [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780059864318_ChachaCricketIndiaPakistan.jpg?type=hq)
Chacha Cricket Pakistan [Source: AFP]
Pakistan's Abdul Jalil, famously known as Chacha Cricket, is among the most recognisable fans in the stadiums when Pakistan is playing any international match. Much like Sudhir Gautam of India, Jalil travels around the world to support Pakistan regardless of how they perform.
Having started this journey at 19 in 1968/69, when England travelled to Lahore, it has been almost 60 years that Jalil has passionately rallied behind his team. Now, with the age catching up and as travel becomes difficult, he has decided to stop visiting the stadiums and has opened up about the future that he aspires to.
Pakistan's 12th man in the stands
At a very young age, Chacha Cricket had decided to show his love and support for Pakistan with this unique idea of travelling with the team wherever it is possible for him.
According to his interview with ESPNcricinfo, he had a target of 500 international matches in mind, where he would cheer for Pakistan and that it had been achieved.
Through the years, he has seen some of the most epic matches involving Pakistan and their domination in the 90s, which he will fondly remember for the rest of his life. However, the recent results against India have also been a major disappointment for him.
"I was on the ground when Javed Miandad hit Chetan Sharma for a six on the last ball [in 1986 at Sharjah]. I vividly remember Miandad hitting him over deep midwicket. The other memorable match for me was when we beat India at The Oval [Champions Trophy] in 2017."
"I witnessed Pakistan's three consecutive defeats to India [in the Asia Cup last year]. We have now lost nine in a row to India. I did not want them to lose another match after the Asia Cup. They could not chase 120 against India at New York [at the 2024 T20 World Cup]. I had travelled a great distance to support the team," he said.
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He was also present in Mohali to witness the semi-final loss against India in the World Cup 2011 and revealed how painful the loss was. But, he is also grounded with the fact that wins and losses are a part of the game.
Chacha Cricket announces retirement
On Saturday, Pakistan's ODI series against Australia is set to kick off in Rawalpindi. The three-match series will then move to Lahore for the final two matches. Chacha has spoken of being content with his journey and thinks it is time to retire now. This will be his final home series, followed by one last tour of England later in August and September.
"I had the target of cheering for Pakistan in 500 matches, which I have achieved. I have done everything for the sheer love of the game and my country. My mission has been to be a great ambassador of the country and make fans across the aisles happy."
Chacha reveals his future plans
Having spent almost 60 years on the road for the love of the game, Chacha now aspires to open a cricket-themed restaurant and do some welfare work once the upcoming three Tests against England are done.
"I will display all the memorabilia I have gathered over the years at the museum. I am now also looking to do some welfare work after my retirement," he concluded.
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