Cricketers Pay Tribute to Beloved ‘Uncle Percy’: Who Was He?

COLOMBO: Percy Abeysekera, affectionately known as Uncle Percy and an iconic figure in the world of cricket support, has sadly passed away on Monday, October 30, after a prolonged battle with illness.

Uncle Percy, renowned for his unwavering support of the Sri Lankan cricket team, accompanied the island nation on numerous cricket tours over the years.

His enduring image of enthusiastically waving the Sri Lankan national flag at stadiums around the globe remains etched in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. Until 2022, Uncle Percy was a constant presence in the stands, passionately cheering on the Sri Lankan team during their international fixtures.

Percy Abeysekera had been struggling with illness for an extended period. In September 2023, Sri Lanka Cricket had extended financial support of Rs 5 million to aid his medical expenses and well-being.

During the Asia Cup 2023 held in August-September, Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, had the privilege of meeting Uncle Percy in Sri Lanka as part of the team’s campaign in the continental tournament.

Uncle Percy had been waving the national flag to rally behind the Sri Lankan cricket team since the 1979 World Cup. Regrettably, due to his illness, he was unable to travel to India for the 2023 World Cup.

Tributes and condolences have poured in from the cricketing community, with former Sri Lankan opener Sanath Jayasuriya and former all-rounder Russel Arnold taking to social media to express their sympathies at the loss of this cricket-loving legend. Here’s how cricket fraternity mourned the loss of Uncle Percy.

ALSO READ || Fogg Stops Ind Vs NZ World Cup Clash In Dharamshala; Internet Reacts