One-Man cheer squad Percy no more

Tuesday, 31 October 2023 01:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s and probably the most ardent supporter of a national cricket team in the world, Percy Abeysekera has passed away at the age of 87 after a brief illness.

Percy and the Lion flag became synonymous and universally recognised by cricketers throughout the world. Percy gave his life and soul to the sport and was a legend of his own right. It was a common sight at international matches to see Percy waving the Sri Lankan flag throughout the day sometimes in extremely hot and humid conditions encouraging our cricketers to perform well.

Known as the One-Man cheer squad or Uncle Percy to our cricketers, Percy became popular not only with the Lankan cricketers but also with several other international stars who valued his commitment and witty comments on and off the field.

One of his famous adages was: “I’m Percy, cricket crazy, but I have no mercy, for those cricketers, spectators and administrators who are lazy.”

Quite recently when he was ailing at his home in Ekala, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma paid him a visit during the Asia Cup to inquire about his health.

Sri Lanka Cricket in a heartwarming gesture bestowed Rs. 5 million upon him to support his health and overall wellbeing.

Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe once presented Percy with two of his Man of the Match trophies saying they were for ‘Percy’s love for cricket’ and his ‘patriotism’.

Educated at the two leading schools in Galle, St Aloysius College and Richmond College, Percy began his career as a cheerleader with the Lion flag in 1979. He played cricket for St Aloysius College second eleven, Aquinas University College in the Daily News trophy and captained the first AMW cricket team to win the Mercantile ‘G’ division title in 1968. Later Percy joined ACL Cables where he was an employee until his death.

His wife Meloney predeceased him. He is survived by his son and daughter and four grandchildren. – (ST)