Cricket fans worldwide loved “Uncle Percy,” the seasoned captain of the Sri Lanka cheerleading squad Percy Abeysekera. He passed away. The well-known cheerleader from Sri Lanka turned 87 in August of this year, but he has reportedly been feeling under the weather lately.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) gave Percy Abeysekera a donation of Rs 50 lakh in September to help with his welfare and upkeep of his health.

Uncle Percy is considered to be one of the oldest supporters of Sri Lanka Cricket. Since the 1979 World Cup, he has unfurled the Sri Lankan flag to support his beloved team.

Sri Lankan cricket lost its biggest fan, Percy Abeysekera, at the age of 87 in Colombo on Monday. “Uncle Percy” as he was popularly known in Sri Lanka had been in poor health over the past few months and passed away due to age-related complications. His passion and support for the game left an indelible mark on the world of cricket.

Percy has supported Sri Lanka since the 1979 ODI World Cup in West Indies. “Before I could walk, I would be in the stadium cheering for kids and waving the Sri Lankan flag,” Percy once said in an interview.

Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) Secretary Mohan De Silva visited Percy and presented him with Rs 1.3 million to support his well-being and maintain his health. During the 2023 Asian Cup in Colombo, India captain Rohit Sharma also visited Percy’s uncle at his residence.

De Silva said in a statement: “Percy has made an immeasurable contribution to Sri Lankan cricket as a cheerleader, he has brought great strength to the players and the sport as a whole, and now it is our turn to give back and look after him. Blessed.” September.

The Sri Lanka Cricket fraternity confirmed the death of Uncle Percy on social media. “I was so saddened to hear that our beloved Uncle Percy met his maker. You were the first super fan and you will always be special to us all, RIP,” former SL captain Sanath Jayasuriya tweeted.