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Why Are Sri Lankan Players Wearing Black Armbands In World Cup Clash Vs India?

image-logzb1hhSri Lankan players in hurdle [X.com]

Sri Lankan players entered the battleground at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for their marquee ICC World Cup 2023 clash against India while wearing black armbands on Thursday (November 2). 

The 1996 champions paid a tribute with a heartening gesture towards 'Uncle Percy', Sri Lanka's famous super fan, who passed away on October 30 in the build-up to the match that the great old man would've been anticipating. 

Once an integral part of Sri Lanka's home matches, the colourful figure of Percy Abeysekara, renowned for his black goggles and passionate waving of the Sri Lankan national flag in matches, couldn't survive prolonged illness. 

The cricketing fraternity mourned the demise of the man who acted as an inspiration to cricket lovers across the world, being someone who epitomised the perfect balance between passion and undying support for his team but also humoungous grace and humility. 

Sri Lankan Players Pay Tribute To 'Uncle Percy' 

Percy was just as popular amongst visiting teams and cricketers who stepped shores in the Island nation as he was within the home-grown players. His warmth and love for the game transcended generations. Indian players were especially fond of the man and were seen regularly sharing pictures and interacting with him in all fun and humour on tours. 

Contemporary Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had met the ailing Percy at his residence at the sidelines of the recent Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka, sharing a light moment with the man and recalling great memories of him spending time with Indian cricketers in all his glory and health before. 

Sri Lankan players paid a due tribute to Uncle Percy by wearing black armbands on their way to the national anthem for the clash against India in Mumbai and continued on their playing duties with a mark of remembrance worn close to their bodies for the great man.