Through the match, the Sri Lankan gamers wore black armbands as a mark of respect and remembrance for Uncle Percy, who was a fixture at Sri Lanka’s cricket matches for a number of many years. He gained immense recognition in the course of the 1996 World Cup, which Sri Lanka co-hosted, and was identified for waving a big Sri Lankan flag, providing encouragement to gamers, and even accompanying them to and from the dressing room.
“Sri Lanka gamers will put on black armbands throughout at present’s sport vs India to pay tribute to the late Percy Abeysekera, the legendary cheerleader,” acknowledged Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
Scorecard: India vs Sri Lanka
Abeysekera’s presence at cricket matches, his unwavering help for the Sri Lankan crew, and his infectious enthusiasm left an indelible mark on the game. The SLC’s assertion hailed his important position in Sri Lanka cricket, stating, “Abeysekera was an integral a part of the sport of cricket in Sri Lanka and did play a pivotal position from past the boundary line to help and encourage the gamers. His towering legacy spans throughout Sri Lanka’s pre- and post-Take a look at eras, and his identify will stay etched without end amongst cricket lovers.”
India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, additionally shared his recollections of assembly Abeysekera throughout a go to to his home in Colombo. He remembered Uncle Percy as a real and passionate fan of the sport and a rare supporter of the Sri Lankan crew.
Rohit, reflecting on his first encounters with Uncle Percy, mentioned, “After I first went to Sri Lanka in 2006, really for (the) U19 World Cup, he was there, however I used to be a bit of boy, I had no concept about how issues work outdoors (the) cricket subject. I used to be not an excessive amount of into that.”
Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of India’s Rohit Sharma. (Reuters Picture)
Nevertheless, it was throughout a tour with the Indian senior aspect in 2008 that Rohit had his first shut interplay with Uncle Percy. He recalled the passionate help and real enthusiasm that Abeysekera dropped at the sport.
Rohit expressed his disappointment over the lack of Uncle Percy and paid tribute to him, calling him the first-ever fan he had encountered in cricket. His real help for the sport and the gamers left a long-lasting impression on the cricketing fraternity.
Uncle Percy’s legacy as a ‘legendary cheerleader’ continues to be celebrated and remembered by cricket lovers worldwide.
India vs Sri Lanka, WC 2023: Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis wins toss, opts to subject vs India in Mumbai
(With inputs from PTI)
