Cricket fraternity mourns the demise of Sri Lanka’s iconic supporter Percy Abeysekera aka Uncle Percy

Uncle Percy used to travel around the world to cheer for the Sri Lankan cricket team.

By Salman Anjum - 30 Oct, 2023

One of the most celebrated cricket fans, Percy Abeysekera passed away on Monday (October 30) at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness.

Percy, fondly known as Uncle Percy, was the biggest supporter of the Sri Lankan cricket team. He used to travel around the world to cheer for the islanders on cricket tours.

Until 2022, Uncle Percy was a regular feature in the stands when Sri Lanka played their international matches. However, he was battling illness for quite some time.

In September this year, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) handed over Rs 5 million to aid Percy’s medical expenses.

Percy Abeysekera had been waving the national flag in the stadiums to cheer the Sri Lankan cricket team since the 1979 World Cup. However, he couldn’t travel to India for the ongoing World Cup due to illness.

Cricket fraternity was left deeply saddened after hearing this news and mourned Uncle Percy’s demise on social media platform X.

Here are the reactions:

Uncle Percy was the true 12th man for many generations of Sri Lankan cricketers. He was there throughout my entire career, cheering us on, waving his flag and always, win or lose, making us laugh. He really loved his cricket and he was also a wonderful person. We will all miss… pic.twitter.com/d485JwbCx2
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) October 30, 2023

My condolences to the family of UNCLE PERCY. Srilankan cricket’s biggest fan is no more. If Srilanka lost or won, He was always happy. Indian team had lot of respect towards him. pic.twitter.com/HCp3c9ocN8
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 30, 2023

pic.twitter.com/g7TTsjFkQo
— Thisara perera (@PereraThisara) October 30, 2023

Met him many many times

Real cricket fan

May his soul rest in peace ????????????️ https://t.co/yBMpu9KKG2
— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 30, 2023

RIP #unclepercy ???????????? pic.twitter.com/yhXNKoTacD
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) October 30, 2023

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

පර්සි අංකල්, ඔබට නිවන් සුව???????????????? pic.twitter.com/dSqJtK5AIK
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) October 30, 2023

From my debut till my last game Uncle Percy was a constant. His contribution to the game in Sri Lanka stands equal to any of the players that have worn the shirt. His energy, his passion, knowledge and rhyme will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Uncle Percy https://t.co/0bR93rTBg0
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) October 30, 2023

Rest in peace percy legend ❤️???? https://t.co/o7zqdCLyqj
— Suresh Raina???????? (@ImRaina) October 30, 2023

We had some wonderful memories! I am sure he will continue to support the team from above! Rest in peace uncle Percy! https://t.co/IvAHHnuGNX
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) October 30, 2023

Saddened to hear about the loss of Percy. He was a great supporter of SL cricket and we would hear his cheering from the stands every time we played in SL. Condolences to his family and friends. ????????
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 30, 2023

RIP Percy uncle .. it’s the fans who makes this game special .. and u were a true fan of Sri Lankan cricket team .. also very warm towards us too.. we will miss you ???? condolences to family https://t.co/gorcw6LeA4
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 30, 2023

By Salman Anjum - 30 Oct, 2023

Cricket fraternity mourns the demise of Sri Lanka’s iconic supporter Percy Abeysekera aka Uncle Percy

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