The Sri Lankan papare band – in pictures

Four members of the papare band who have come from Sri Lanka perform before the T20 World Cup semi-final between England and New Zealand at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Four members of the papare band who have come from Sri Lanka perform before the T20 World Cup semi-final between England and New Zealand at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Cricket lovers from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India paid for plane tickets, meals and accommodation to ensure the four-member band arrived in time for the first semi-final.
Cricket lovers from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India paid for plane tickets, meals and accommodation to ensure the four-member band arrived in time for the first semi-final.
The musicians, who play the trumpet, trombone and drums, add to the atmosphere at matches.
The musicians, who play the trumpet, trombone and drums, add to the atmosphere at matches.
It took a joint effort from people of different nationalities to ensure the Mendis Papare Band arrived in the Emirates.
It took a joint effort from people of different nationalities to ensure the Mendis Papare Band arrived in the Emirates.
The Abu Dhabi Cricket Council arranged complimentary tickets for Wednesday’s game and an Indian cricket fan paid for the tickets to the final on Sunday.
The Abu Dhabi Cricket Council arranged complimentary tickets for Wednesday’s game and an Indian cricket fan paid for the tickets to the final on Sunday.
Papare music is central to Sri Lankan cricket. Fans say they have grown up with the music and drums and cymbals can often be heard during matches at all levels in the country.
Papare music is central to Sri Lankan cricket. Fans say they have grown up with the music and drums and cymbals can often be heard during matches at all levels in the country.