Peter Siddle’s “Chacha” nickname spreads across the globe

Australian – (Web Desk) – Peter Siddle’s beloved nickname “Chacha” is having quite a moment. The 41-year-old Australian fast bowler, currently playing for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, found his affectionate moniker trending on social media after his own girlfriend used it in a comment on one of his posts — and the internet absolutely loved it.

The word “Chacha,” which loosely translates to “uncle” in Urdu, has stuck to Siddle like glue ever since Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf first coined it during Australia’s Big Bash League. Since then, it has followed the veteran pacer wherever he goes.

Inside the Multan Sultans dressing room, the nickname has found a fun new life. Siddle himself laughed it off at a press conference, saying, “Iftikhar Ahmed is the local ‘Chacha’ and I am the overseas one” — a charming nod to teammate Iftikhar Ahmed that had everyone smiling.

Pakistan grants visas on arrival to all delegates and journalists.

But perhaps the best sign of how far this nickname has travelled came when Australia’s Steve Smith was caught calling Siddle “Chacha” after a match — proof that the label has well and truly crossed team boundaries.

What started as a lighthearted joke in a cricket dressing room has grown into something much warmer — a little cross-cultural bridge built on laughs, respect, and the wonderful informality that makes franchise cricket so special.