UAE cricketers’ favourite ‘Uncle Thomson’ passes away, leaving fond memories

By K.R. Nayar 

While reporting domestic cricket in the UAE, a smiling face always greeted me at different venues and almost at all tournaments. Cricketers lovingly called him “Uncle.” To some, he was Uncle Thomson; to others, Bulla Mama. But to everyone in general, Thomson John D'Silva was warmth wrapped in a smile. As the manager of many domestic teams in the UAE, most of his teams have won numerous laurels. He was an inspiring presence, and he passed away on July 2, 2026, at the age of 75.

The ever-smiling Uncle Thomson 

Not everyone is blessed with innate man-management skills. Uncle Thomson had that unique ability not just to manage but to mentor and be like a guardian. During the glorious period of domestic cricket in the UAE, when tournaments were enthusiastically organised by passionate lovers of the game and councils, Uncle Thomson was in great demand as a team manager. As a reporter, he was my best point of contact since he would willingly share details about every player and how the team was shaped for success.

For players who slipped out of form, his advice would play a big role in getting their confidence back. The first time I met him he was with the Lloyds TSB Cricket Team when they went on a tour to the United Kingdom. On his return, he became the manager of the Arab Udupi Cricket Team. After he took charge, Arab Udupi rose from C Division to B Division and finally to A Division, emerging as the most talked-about team in the UAE. Arab Udupi reached three consecutive A Division finals, finishing runners-up to formidable teams like CSS and later Fly Emirates. It was his calm and inspiring approach that finally helped Arab Udupi beat Fly Emirates to lift the coveted UAE A Division Championship.

Uncle Thomson was part of every team's success and my report on one of the events he organised.

It was Uncle Thomson who showed that a smile can inspire and win matches. He was the manager of the Emirates India team that won the UAE National Championship, beating Pakistan in 2007 and Sri Lanka in 2011. When the Lloyds TSB Cricket Team won the inaugural Dubai Sixes featuring Vinod Kambli, he had managed that team as well When Kannur Veerans emerged champions in the inaugural Kerala Premier League, his invisible hand was again at work. 

Uncle Thomson made my reports informative with lots of inputs 

Uncle Thomson’s story began in Mangalore, where, from his school days, he showed promise as a fine sportsman. But life, as it often does, bowled a different delivery. Family responsibilities cut short his sporting dreams, but not his sporting spirit. After completing a draftsman course at the Indian Technical Institute in Mangalore, he set out in search of a livelihood—Mumbai, Saudi Arabia, and eventually the UAE. Wherever he went, he carried two priceless qualities: honesty and selfless service. In 1976, despite working with a construction company in Dubai, he returned to Mumbai to start his own business.

Uncle Thomson even officiated as an umpire 

Uncle Thomson’s ability to inspire wasn’t limited to the boundary ropes—it elevated his professional life too. By the mid-1980s, he had risen to become Managing Director – Operations of a leading contracting company in Saudi Arabia, overseeing more than 3,000 employees. In 2000, he returned to Dubai to establish his own trading business, once again building something meaningful from scratch.

Uncle Thomson dances with the players celebrating the team's success 

In 2002, the arrival of his nephew, Prashanth Braggs—a former UAE international cricketer and ICC Level 3 coach—pulled him deeper into UAE cricket.  Uncle Thomson had an eye for talent. Most cricketers were keen to impress him with their skills so that they could get opportunities in different clubs. He meticulously planned for success and was always sporting in spirit.

Uncle Thomson with CTK Nasir

Like CTK Nasir of Nucaf Tellicherry, Uncle Thomson too used to be present at almost every cricket venue, often giving away prizes to outstanding players. Almost every published photograph of prize winners had his smiling face, often standing quietly among the star performers, happier for their success than his own.  He was immensely proud of them and even danced with them after victories. He was involved in successfully organising four editions of the Karnataka Premier Cricket League (KPCL) for the Kannada community in the UAE, with India Test wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani attending as a guest in one of the editions.

Uncle Thomson with Syed Kirmani 

Nucaf Tellicherry, Yogi Group, Danube Lions, and many other teams have benefited from his managerial skills until 2020, when he returned to India due to health issues. But even distance couldn’t diminish his impact. On his 75th birthday, October 2, 2025, the cricket community came together to celebrate him through a YouTube tribute. Click for the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEX0yCdrBLw

When UAE cricketers celebrated his 75th birthday

Having touched the lives of many cricketers, the entire UAE cricket fraternity is saddened by his demise. A beautiful comment from his nephew Prashanth Braggs reveals the real Uncle Thomson: “To me, he was much more than an uncle. He was my godfather, my mother's younger brother, and someone who stood firmly by our family through every phase of life. He played a pivotal role in helping me begin my career in the UAE, and I will always remain grateful for his unwavering support and belief in me. As children, his family's visits during Christmas were the moments we eagerly awaited every year. They felt like Santa Claus had arrived, bringing joy, warmth, laughter, and togetherness into our home.”

One of the many photographs of Uncle Thomson celebrating his team's success. 

Thomson was not an uncle to Braggs alone but to the entire UAE cricket community. Rest in peace, Uncle Thomson – your innings was truly remarkable.

Uncle Thomson with Chris Gayle. Very often he shared these special moments with me

Uncle Thomson with Shaun Pollock. Cricket and cricketers were his pride