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.

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.

It is with great sadness that I heard our beloved Uncle Percy has met his maker. You were the first superfan and for all of us you will always be special RIP

— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) October 30, 2023

Renowned Sri Lankan Cricket cheerleader, Uncle Percy, has passed away at the age of 87. His enthusiasm and support for the game left an indelible mark on the cricketing world. pic.twitter.com/Iu9UbZf0nI

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) October 30, 2023

Breaking News 🚨

Sri Lankan great Cheer Leader Percy Abeysekara Passed Away Short awhile ago

Good Bye Uncle Percy !!!

Cricket Will Miss You badly 😢 #sportspavilionlk #Unclepercy pic.twitter.com/E892XkzJKH

— DANUSHKA ARAVINDA (@DanuskaAravinda) October 30, 2023

Goodbye uncle Percy. We all will miss you. Sri Lanka may replace Aravinda de Silva one day, but you will never be replaced. We will not have another one like you. May you attain the supreme bliss of nibbana. pic.twitter.com/OFSu2tjwTZ

— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) October 30, 2023

For anyone who has been to Sri Lanka to watch cricket, Uncle Percy was the spirit that made the atmosphere at the ground. At a time when tribalism has made attending cricket harder, Uncle Percy brought opposing cricket fans together in a celebration of the great game. He will…

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) October 30, 2023

Sad, sad day not just for Sri Lankan but entire cricket community! Uncle Percy has passed away after a prolonged illness

— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) October 30, 2023

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