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Television commentator Tony Greig (left) looks on as Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara (second left) tosses the coin look on before the Pakistan v Sri Lanka 2011 ICC World Cup Group A match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 26, 2011 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (GETTY)
Sri Lankans in Dubai and around the world are saddened by the news that cricket legend Tony Greig has been diagnosed with a form of lung cancer.
Ever since this shocking news broke out on Saturday, there has been an outpouring of sympathy and messages of support posted on websites praying for his recovery.
"Wish you a speedy recovery from your pineapple fans in Sri Lanka," said one Abdul Gaffoor.
"Tony Greig is a true friend of Sri Lankan cricket and its people. He was a strength leading to the 1996 World Cup win. Our good wishes and blessings to him to get well soon," said another.
"He loved SL and its people for what they were in spite of our blemishes. He knew so much about us and our culture and proudly broadcast it to the world," another wrote.
The South African-born Greig former England captain became a household name in Sri Lanka for his unbiased commentary particularly in the run-up to the islanders' triumphant World Cup campaign in 1996.
He did not conceal his love for Sri Lanka in general and its attacking brand of cricket particular famously nicknaming Romesh Kaluwitharana as "Little Kalu" who along with Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionised the art of pinch hitting in the opening overs.
His unbridled support came at a time when Australia, his adopted country, forfeited their league game against co-hosts Sri Lanka, refusing to travel for security reasons.
Greig used go into raptures virtually singing Sri Lanka's praises unabashedly and endearing himself to the public, at every given opportunity.
"Tony Greig's unwavering support for the Sri Lankan Cricket team, since its inception at the Test level is something all Sri Lankans are thankful for and always remember," stated Ronnie Wade.
In fact, he was considered an unofficial ambassador of the country.
Greig, 66, first became aware he had a problem during Australia's one-day series against Pakistan in Dubai in August and September, on which he was commentating.
Initially diagnosed with bronchitis in May, the condition lingered and, by the time of the ICC World Twenty20 that finished in Sri Lanka earlier this month, Greig had tests that revealed a small lesion at the base of his right lung.
He will wait and evaluate a detailed prognosis before deciding on treatment.
"I have had a few scrapes in my life and this is another one," Greig told The Sunday Telegraph from his eastern suburbs home.
"(His wife) Vivian and I are going to put the boxing gloves on and fight this like we've never fought anything before."
Greig was bestowed the honour of delivering the prestigious Cowdrey Spirit Of Cricket Lecture at Lords in June this year.
He has lived in Sydney since the late 1970s and has commentated cricket for Nine for 33 years, with the quartet of he, Bill Lawry, Ian Chappell and Richie Benaud becoming the voices of the Australian summer.
He is unsure if he will commentate for Nine during the upcoming summer, which begins with a Test at the Gabba against South Africa on November 9.
"At this stage, the summer is totally up in the air," Greig said. "My priority, 100 per cent, is my family. They will come first."
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