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`Chacha' cheers for friendship

Lahore: For 36 long years, `Chacha' Abdul Jaleel has followed the Pakistan cricket team at home and abroad dressed in National colours and carrying a big Pakistani flag.

The bearded `chacha', who is familiar to television viewers wherever cricket is played, said the current series was different. It was not all about winning or losing, but about building bridges and bonds of friendship between two neighbours.

"See for yourself the atmosphere. You cannot miss the goodwill and warmth between the two teams, their fans and between the two countries. Believe me this series is different. The jingoism and the divide that was visible in cricket matches of the past have disappeared. This is truly a dosti (friendship) series'', he said.

Who is his favourite Indian player? "Of course it is Sachin Tendulkar, the greatest batsman in the world'', he replies unhesitatingly.

The retired Municipal foreman used to be sponsored by corporates earlier for his travels round the world, which have taken him to 13 countries. Now it is the Pakistan Cricket Board that sponsors him.

``I have taken up this mission to support the Pakistan team and have earned a lot of respect from the people. But this is special, it is not important which team wins, but it is the love between the two countries that is the ultimate winner'', he said.

``I will support both the teams. I will applaud and cheer those who perform well, irrespective of which team he belongs to''.

As recognition to his passion for the game and love for his country's cricket team, Jaleel was declared the ``best supporter'' in the World Cups in 1999 and 2003.

PTI

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