Paying tribute to cricket's 4 most lovable super-fans

#3 Percy Abeysekera - Sri Lanka

Percy Abeysekara: Sri Lanka's longtime cricket fan

Sri Lankan cricket has had its fair share of highs and lows, but the one constant in this journey has been the presence of Percy Abeysekara. Percy has been Sri Lanka's supporter since the last 60 years and has seen their evolution from a struggling Island nation to a major contributor in world cricket.

Percy was working for ACL Cables from 1962 to 1982 after which he took up the job of a PR consultant. He started cheer-leading for Sri Lanka from the year 1979.

Percy had traveled to England to attend the 1983 World Cup and also had the opportunity to dance with the great Sir Garry Sobers, the then Sri Lankan coach. Percy also cheered for Sri Lanka in the 1982 Madras Test, in spite of threats from the Tamil Tigers. He also traveled with the Sri Lankan team during the 1996 World Cup and witnessed the riot-stricken semi-final as well as the final.

Percy shares a special bond with many international stars. Martin Crowe gave him a couple of his Man of the Match trophies for his dedication towards cricket and patriotism for Sri Lanka. Percy also shares a strong friendship with former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin and the current skipper Virat Kohli.

Such has been his unprecedented love for cricket that he named his grandchildren Avinka Garfield and Sachinka, to showcase the respect he has for Sir Gary Sobers and Sachin Tendulkar.

Virat Kohli dancing with Percy in P Sara Oval