‘Uncle Pakistani’ Hopes to Bring Nations Closer Via Cricket

Jalil, known as “Chacha Pakistani” (Uncle Pakistani), has travelled around the world as the cheerleader of the team and is now paid by the Pakistan Cricket Board to rouse the supporters. Cricket remains Pakistan’s number one sport and the performances of the national team are passionately followed by the population of 150 million. Jalil made his first appearance as the official cheerleader of the Pakistan team at Sharjah in 1986. In Multan this week, Jalil is waving two flags instead of one, having decided to add the Union flag in honour of the visitors. “Cricket should bring people and nations closer together,” he said. “After all it is just a game and not war.”