"His presence will be dearly missed": BCCI mourns demise of Sri Lanka superfan Percy Abeysekera
Oct 30, 2023
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 30 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released an official statement on Monday saying that it deeply mourns the demise of Sri Lanka superfan Percy Abeysekera, fondly known as Uncle Percy and said his "presence will be dearly missed."
Sri Lankan cricket superfan Percy Abeysekera, also known as Uncle Percy among the cricketing fraternity, has passed away at the age of 87.
He was a regular fixture at Sri Lanka's matches for over five decades. He gained global prominence during the 1996 World Cup when he was seen parading the national flag around the ground at Lahore following a win over Australia in the title clash, as per ESPNCricinfo.
https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1719023839974211707
BCCI took to X and expressed grief over Uncle Percy's death and wrote, "Percy Abeysekera was a bundle of energy, lighting up every moment on the field with his constant cheering. He shared a deep bond with Indian cricketers and developed a strong connect every time Team India toured Sri Lanka. His presence will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. #RIPUnclePercy."
Percy was famous for his rhyming English chants and interactions with cricketers, both Sri Lankans and foreigners. He was a regular fixture in the country's matches at home and overseas both. He was among the first generation of travelling superfans.
Percy was admired by many popular players. In the 1980s, New Zealand's Martin Crowe gave one of his 'Man of the Match' awards to him, for his passion towards sports. In the Asia Cup this year, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma paid a visit to Percy's residence while he was battling an illness.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) paid tribute to Percy. "In loving memory of legendary cheerleader, Percy Abeysekera (87). His passion and energy on the cricket field will be dearly missed. #RIPUnclePercy," tweeted SLC.
https://twitter.com/OfficialSLC/status/1719000247798812711
Often, Percy would jibe at players of his own team, especially while they made fielding errors near the boundary. This would often serve as an entertainment to the crowd. SLC made a substantial donation to Percy in recent months to help him with his treatment. He died after spending several days at the hospital.
