Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma meets Sri Lankan fan Percy Abeysekera at his home

The Asia Cup 2023 is being successfully jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan as fans are witnessing riveting cricketing action in the continental tournament. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma made the day of one such fan from Sri Lanka by visiting his home. The Indian skipper made a visit to famous Sri Lankan fan Percy Abeysekera at his home in Ekala upon a request from another Sri Lankan fan Gayan Senanayaka.

The heartwarming moment has gone viral all over social media as fans are loving the kind gesture of the Indian captain. In the viral video, Rohit can be seen talking about the upcoming India vs Pakistan Super 4 game at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on September 10. He further told Percy about the earlier drawn game between the two teams in Pallekele and also told him that he's greatly missed at the ground.

Indian captain meeting the biggest Sri Lankan fan ever at his home...!!!

- Rohit, humble as ever. pic.twitter.com/DQeAoMd0bN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 8, 2023

Also Check: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan vs India Live Weather Forecast and Pitch Report of R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Notably, the 87-year-old Percy is fondly called ‘Uncle Percy’ by his countrymen and has been regularly spotted supporting Sri Lanka from the stadiums since their first Test against England in 1982. During the historic game, he escorted England batsman Chris Tavare on the pitch at the P Sara Oval in the capital Colombo while holding a Sri Lankan flag.

Since then, he’s been allowed onto the field by Sri Lanka’s cricket authorities to accompany the team off after every game, win or lose, still carrying his flag. Percy was even invited to join the Sri Lankan cricket board twice but he denied the offer due to his unlikeness for cricket administration.

Percy watched Don Bradman play at the age of 12

He witnessed his first international game from the stadium at the age of 12 between Australia vs. All Ceylon in 1948 at the Colombo Oval (Sara Stadium). During the match, he got to watch legendary Sir Donald Bradman in action and began cheerleading in the 1950s.

Percy’s grandsons are named Garfield and Sachinka, after the legendary West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers, and Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will continue their Asia Cup campaign with their first Super 4 fixture against Bangladesh on Saturday, September 09 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.