In a heartfelt moment of solidarity and respect, the Sri Lankan cricket team participating in the ICC Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 donned black armbands during their ongoing match against India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The touching tribute by the Sri Lankan players, sporting somber black armbands??, piqued ?the curiosity of cricket fans worldwide. Many were left wondering about the significance of this poignant gesture and the motive behind it.

Sri Lanka Cricket reveals why players are wearing black armbands

In a heartwarming post on social media, the Sri Lankan cricket board unveiled the reason behind this moving gesture. The Kusal Mendis-led team was paying tribute to the late Percy Abeysekera, affectionately known as Uncle Percy. He was an iconic Sri Lankan cricket superfan who had a profound impact on the sport. Uncle Percy passed away on October 30 in Colombo after battling a prolonged illness. At 87 years old, he took his last breath in the Sri Lanka??n capital.

“Sri Lankan players to wear black-arm bands. Sri Lanka players will wear black armbands during today’s game vs. India to pay tribute to the late Percy Abeysekera, the legendary cheerleader. Abeysekera was an integral part of the game of cricket in Sri Lanka and did play a pivotal role from beyond the boundary line to support and motivate the players. His towering legacy spans across Sri Lanka’s pre- and post-test eras, and his name will remain etched forever among cricket lovers,” the post reads.

Sri Lankan players to wear black-arm bands 🖤

Sri Lanka players will wear black armbands during today's game vs. India to pay tribute to the late Percy Abeysekera, the legendary cheerleader.🫡

Abeysekera was an integral part of the game of cricket in Sri Lanka and did play a�?pic.twitter.com/O8e1b3OpsE

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) November 2, 2023

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A cricket fan’s remarkable journey

Uncle Percy’s unwavering love and devotion to Sri Lankan cricket had been an inspiring and enduring tale for cricket fans. His passion for the sport began with the 1979 Cricket World Cup in England, and he continued to be a constant presence, attending every Sri?? Lankan team game. His d?edication and love for the team left an indelible mark on the cricketing community.

Ongoing clash between India and Sri Lanka

Speaking of the ongoing match, the Sri Lankan team won the toss and chose to field first in Mumbai. They made one change to their squad, with Dhananjaya de Silva making way for Dushan Hemantha. Meanwhile, Team India remained unchanged from thei??r las??t game against England.

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In a deeply poignant moment, Percy Abeysekera, a cherished and iconic figure in the world of Sri Lankan cricket, known affectionately as ‘Uncle Percy,’ passed away on Monday in Colombo at the age of 87. Uncle Percy was a super fan of Sri Lankan cricket, and his unwavering support for his national team spanned over four decades, making him a true legend in his own right.

Uncle Percy’s remarkable journey as a superfan

Uncle Percy’s journey as a superfan began in 1979 when Sri Lanka participated in its first-ever ODI World Cup in the West Indies. From that moment on, his love for the game and his nation’s cricket team knew no bounds. His passion for cricket took him on numerous journeys as he followed the Sri Lankan team to various cricketing destinations, both near and far.

The enduring legacy of Uncle Percy’s support for Sri Lankan Cricket

Percy was a constant presence in the stands, proudly waving the Sri Lankan flag, and his infectious enthusiasm became an integral part of the team’s support system over all these years. However, his health has been declining in recent months.

Recently, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) recognized the invaluable contribution Uncle Percy had made to the sport by presenting him with Rs. 5 million to support his health and well-being. The SLC Secretary, Mohan de Silva, had personally handed over the cheque, expressing the cricketing community’s profound respect and gratitude. Moreover, Indian captain Rohit Sharma had also paid a visit to Uncle Percy at his residence during the A??sia Cup 2023 in Colombo.

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The cricketing community mourns Uncle Percy’s unfortunate demise

The news of Uncle Percy’s passing sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing fraternity, prompting an outpouring of condolences from players, legends, and fans alike. Among those expressing their grief were former Sri Lankan cricket superstar Sanath Jayasuriya, Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, and former Sri Lanka cricketer turned commentator Russel Arnold.

Sanath Jayasuriya’s heartfelt tribute

An icon in Sri Lankan cricket, Jayasuriya, took to Twitter to share his feelings, saying, “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.”

//twitter.com/Sanath07/status/1718969045926686877

Russel Arnold’s fond Farewell to a close friend

Russel, who shared a close bond with Uncle Percy, posted a heartfelt picture of the two together on social media, captioning it with a simple yet poignant “RIP #unclepercy” accompanied by sad emojis.

RIP #unclepercy 😞😞😞 pic.twitter.com/yhXNKoTacD

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) October 30, 2023

Irfan Pathan’s respectful condolences for Sri Lanka’s biggest fan

Irfan, an Indian cricketer with a deep respect for Uncle Percy, expressed his condolences as well and wrote, “My condolences to the family of UNCLE PERCY. Sri Lankan cricket’s biggest fan is no more. If Sri Lanka lost or won, he was always happy. The Indian team had a lot of respect towards him.”

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

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