Cricket has given me everything: Chacha

Chaudhry Abdul Jalil popularly known as ‘Chacha Cricket’ who has created a niche for himself.

Chacha Cricket at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Dubai — Cricket is the most popular game in the subcontinent. It is followed by millions of fans worldwide but some go beyond that.

Percy Abeysekera a regular fan seen waving the Sri Lankan flag and India’s Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, all painted with Indian colours, are among some of the prominent supporters.

Similarly, joining the select band is Paksitan’s very own Chaudhry Abdul Jalil popularly known as ‘Chacha Cricket’ who has created a niche for himself. Jalil a keen follower of the game for the past 46 years is ever more enthusiastic. In recognition of his services to the game Pakistan Cricket Board has fixed Rs26,000 per month stipend for the bearded man from Sialkot.

While talking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the second ODI between Pakistan and Australia he said: “I feel as if I am the luckiest person on earth because cricket has given me everything. Cricket has made me famous world over as I have travelled to every cricket-playing country.

“I have been showered with a lot of respect all over. I feel privileged to be attached with the game and it will go till my death.”

Chacha’s fame has worked wonders as he faces no difficulty to travel abroad. “I am thankful to England embassy in Pakistan as they have instructed the staff to facilitate the process to issue me visa when required.”

During his stint with Al Ain Municipality, Chacha was a regular visitor to the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Keeping in mind his enthusiasm the officials at Sharjah Stadium provided him free entry. “Sharjah has a special place in my heart and I can’t forget those days. Pakistan won almost everything in Sharjah. It is a great honour for Sharjah to enter into Guinness Book of World Records for hosting most number of one-day internationals (217).

“I salute Abdul Rahman Bukhatir for introducing cricket to the UAE and now the tradition is being carried forward by his son Waleed Bukhatir.

“I pray Sharjah host more and more matches and these festivities should remain alive forever.”

Chacha Cricket recalled watching his first match live. “The first match I watched at the ground was in 1968 when Majid Khan made his debut against England at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. “It was much easier to enter the ground and there were no security hassles.”

However, the scenario has changed as there is no cricket in Pakistan since 2009 when visiting Sri Lankan cricket team came under attack by militants in Lahore. “Pakistan is a sports-loving country and it is really sad that there is no international cricket.

“The government has taken strong steps which has paid dividends. The PCB is in talks with Bangladesh to send a team to play a series in Pakistan and it is a good sign. I hope cricket will make a comeback and Pakistanis will be able to watch their heroes performing in front of their eyes.

“The lack of cricket is really hurting the development of the game. I hope the security situation improves and international teams will start visiting the country in near future.”

liaqat@khaleejtimes.com