LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday paid tribute to Chaudhry Abdul Jalil, popularly known as ‘Chacha Cricket’, for his lifelong dedication and unwavering support to Pakistan cricket, the iconic superfan who is set to retire after the last ODI against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.
In recognition of his decades of service as one of Pakistan cricket’s most beloved icons, the PCB shared a commemorative banner featuring Sacha Cricket with a collage of memorable photos, with the message “Thank you, Sacha Cricket”.
“More than a fan, a symbol of unwavering support for Pakistan cricket,” the PCB wrote in a social media post.
“Thank you, Chacha Cricket, for a lifetime of interest, memories and loyalty,” it added.
Chacha Cricket has been a constant presence in Pakistani competitions for nearly four decades, gaining recognition as one of the most popular and recognized sponsors in world cricket.
His journey began in the 1980s in Sharjah, where Pakistan regularly played its home series, and he later became the official mascot of the PCB in 1996.
Known for his extraordinary dedication, Chacha reportedly quit his well-paying job in the United Arab Emirates and sold personal belongings to fund his travels around the world to support the Pakistan team.
Born in Sialkot on October 8, 1949, Chaudhry Abdul Jalil is instantly recognizable in his bright green kurta, long white beard and trademark white cap on a stand adorned with a bright star and crescent.
Over the years, he has become a symbol of passion, loyalty and resilience in Pakistan’s cricketing culture, motivating the fans and cheering the crowd while supporting the national team in both triumphs and setbacks.
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