01/04/2026
Vale Lionel Fernando
Everyone at mourns the passing of Lionel Fernando, a valued member of the Airport West Cricket Club during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Lionel’s time in the green and white left a lasting impression, both through his performances and the respect he earned from teammates and opponents alike. A consistent and classy batsman, he claimed the 1st XI Batting Average award in back-to-back seasons (1986/87 and 1987/88), highlighting his reliability at the crease. He was also a proud member of the 2nd XI Premiership side in 1988/89, contributing a crucial 58 in the Grand Final, and later recorded a brilliant highest score of 105 in the 1990/91 season. Across approximately five seasons with Airport West, Lionel’s contribution to the club was significant, remembered not only for his skill but for his quiet leadership and love of the game.
Beyond Airport West, Lionel was a highly respected cricketer with deep roots in Sri Lankan cricket, representing Ceylon in the pre-Test era and later continuing his cricket journey in England and Australia. He remained connected to the game as a mentor and contributor to the cricket community throughout his life.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of sharing the field with him.