Thomson John D’Silva, a well-known cricket administrator and longtime advocate for domestic cricket in the United Arab Emirates, passed away on Thursday at the age of 75. He died peacefully at a care facility in India while receiving therapy.
D’Silva, affectionately referred to as “Uncle Thomson” within cricket circles, was widely respected for his extensive contributions to the sport in the UAE. A prominent businessman, he became deeply involved in the development and management of several key cricket teams based in Dubai, including Lloyds TSB, Danube Lions, and Arab Udupi.
Under his leadership, Arab Udupi advanced from the lower divisions to secure its place as one of the UAE’s most competitive teams, eventually winning the A Division championship. D’Silva also managed the Emirates India team, guiding them to national championship titles in 2007 and 2011.
Veteran UAE cricket coach Gopal Jasapara described him as a dedicated administrator, mentor, and ambassador for the game whose impact went well beyond his official roles. D’Silva was recognized for his talent identification, player management abilities, and strong commitment to grassroots cricket initiatives.
His efforts contributed significantly to the rise of numerous domestic players and the nurturing of talent within the UAE national cricket setup. D’Silva’s legacy is remembered as one of dedication to fostering the growth of the sport at multiple levels throughout the region.