ISLAMABAD: For nearly four decades, his bright green kurta, flowing white beard, and sparkling star-and-crescent cap have been as much a part of Pakistan’s cricket landscape as the stumps and bails. But every cheer eventually fades.
Chaudhry Abdul Jalil, the legendary superfan known worldwide as Chacha Cricket, has announced that he will make his final appearance in the stands during Pakistan’s home ODI series against Australia on June 4.
At 77 years old, the man who once sold his belongings to follow the national team across the globe says age-related health concerns have finally called time on his iconic live-stadium presence.
4th June Pak Vs Aus I’ll be witnessing my last ODI in Qaddafi. I request Chairman Mr Mohsin Naqvi and PCB management to make it a memorable day and end on high note. Sent email to Manager Operations and Events. Waiting for the positive response from PCB. Pakistan Zindabad pic.twitter.com/Nn3L1rCIA6
— Chacha Cricket (@chachacricketpk) May 25, 2026
Final series & emotional plea
The three-match ODI series, scheduled from May 30 to June 4, will mark Chacha Cricket’s last live matches. Pakistan will host Australia in the opening ODI in Rawalpindi, with the final two matches set for Lahore.
In an emotional post on his official ‘X’ account, Jalil made a direct appeal to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi:
“4th June Pak vs Aus I’ll be witnessing my last ODI in Qaddafi. I request Chairman Mr Mohsin Naqvi and PCB management to make it a memorable day and end on high note. Waiting for the positive response from PCB. Pakistan Zindabad.”
He specifically requested a fitting tribute at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on June 4, the historic venue where he has cheered generations of Pakistani cricketers.
A legacy
پاکستان کرکٹ کا اصل ہیرو وہ نہیں جس نے سنچری بنائی۔ پاکستان کرکٹ کا اصل ہیرو وہ ہے جس نے 500 سے زیادہ بین الاقوامی میچز اسٹیڈیم میں جا کر دیکھے، 30 سال سے ہر مشکل وقت میں ٹیم کے ساتھ کھڑا رہا۔ آج کی پوسٹ ان کے نام — چاچا کرکٹ۔
اصل نام: چوہدری عبدالجلیل۔ پیدائش 8 اکتوبر 1949،… pic.twitter.com/mlPVH6uPYD
— Aqdas Rehman (@AqdasRehman) May 25, 2026
of devotion
Chacha Cricket’s journey began in the 1980s in Sharjah, when Pakistan played many of their home series there. His devotion turned legendary when he left a well-paying job in the UAE and sold personal belongings to fund his global travels in support of the team. In 1996, he became an officially associated mascot with the PCB.
Pakistan’s famous cricket fan, Chacha Cricket with a Pakistan Army Brigadier at Swat Cricket Ground.
Loved the way he’s saluting and showing respect ❤️🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/SPfJgJdzM7
— Zardan Sangzi (@ZardanSi) May 3, 2026
Born on October 8, 1949, in Sialkot, Jalil has become more than a fan, he is a symbol of Pakistani cricket’s undying passion, known for energizing crowds and lifting team spirit regardless of victory or defeat.
