Percy Abeysekera, popularly known as Uncle Percy, Sri Lanka cricket’s superfan for over 40 years, passed away at 87. Tributes have not stopped pouring in for the team’s biggest cheerleader.

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Uncle Percy has been a constant presence at matches since Sri Lanka played their first Test match against England in 1982. He had escorted England opener Chris Tavare onto the pitch in the match at the P Sara Oval in Colombo with the Sri Lankan flag, a sight that stayed constant over the years.

Over the years, Percy emerged as a known face in the world of Sri Lanka cricket, and cricketers extended their gratitude towards him. In 1989, Imran Khan gave him a signed copy of his autobiography, while Sunil Gavaskar handed him his cap. Martin Crowe once gave him his Player of the Match award, while Percy was embraced by Virat Kohli in 2015 and called into the Indian dressing room.

In September this year, Uncle Percy had voiced his intention of meeting Rohit Sharma, which was fulfilled by the India captain, who visited the ailing superfan at his residence during the Asia Cup.

Sri Lanka Cricket also presented him with LKR 5 million recently to him support his well-being even as his health deteriorated.

The news of his death on Monday was met with grief as cricketers and journalists paid tribute to him.

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