By CMD with inputs from JPP & SA
Abu Dhabi, Dec 15: Abu Dhabi, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is known for its sunshine, vast open spaces and expansive desert landscape. As the capital of the UAE, the discovery of oil during the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan marked a turning point in its history, ushering in sweeping infrastructure development and significantly improving the quality of life of both Emirati citizens and expatriates.
This economic boom attracted large numbers of skilled and unskilled workers, particularly from the Indian subcontinent. Recreational options were limited, especially on Fridays, the weekly day off. For Indians, cricket is more than a sport; it is a passion. To fill the void, informal tennis-ball cricket games began near labour accommodations, often on damp sand or open grounds.
A memorable milestone came in December 1970 when an underarm cricket match was organised to mark Mangalorean Day. Cricket subsequently became an annual feature of the celebrations.
In 1976, two youngsters from coastal Karnataka, Thomas Goddy D’Souza from Bejai, Mangaluru, and Egbert D’Souza from Kallianpur, Udupi, initiated a new cricketing tradition in Abu Dhabi. Employed with ADPC and Middle East Traders respectively, they organised a friendly overarm tennis-ball cricket match at the St Joseph Church ground near the Corniche.
Though the exact date is not recorded, the match marked the beginning of a vibrant cricketing culture. Every Friday morning, the ground came alive with cricket even as church services were underway. The initiative received the support of priests Fr Daniel and later Fr Daveri, allowing the matches to continue uninterrupted. As interest grew, annual tournaments were introduced, including friendly matches between married men and bachelors.
When the church relocated to the Mushrif area, the cricket activities shifted to venues such as Labour Ground and IDGA Ground. Over the years, matches moved across several locations in Abu Dhabi including Bateen Garden Area, Tourist Club Area, the ADNOC FOD grounds now known as ADNOC Distribution, areas near Al Jazeera Stadium, Mussafah and finally Zayed City. Urban development at each location necessitated repeated relocations.
At the onset of summer, the cricket season traditionally concluded in late May with an annual celebration. Senior member Oswald D’Sa took personal responsibility for preparing home-cooked meals, assisted by other members. Celebrations often continued late into the night, yet enthusiasm never waned, with members returning to the ground to play the following day.
During the 1980s, the club participated in season-ball tournaments organised by teams such as Raja XI, NPCC and Al Shaba, securing notable victories. However, growing membership prompted a decision to withdraw from external tournaments to ensure inclusivity. The club instead began organising internal tournaments, strengthening camaraderie and participation.
As activities expanded, the need for formal structure arose. Ligoury D’Souza, a member with a law background, was entrusted with drafting a constitution. Following detailed discussions, a meeting at Ashley Mascarenhas’s residence resulted in key decisions, including renaming the club from St Joseph Cricket Club to Sunshine Cricket Club to reflect its diverse membership, formation of a managing committee, introduction of an annual membership fee, establishment of an election process and creation of a disciplinary committee.
The constitution came into effect on August 25, 1987. Subsequently, amendments extended committee terms to two years to ensure continuity. The practice of electing the chairman annually was discontinued, with outgoing committees nominating successors to ensure stability.
Over the years, the club has been led by chairmen including Jerome Pereira, Joseph D’Mello, Ruby Fernandes, Salim Sheikh, Edward Lewis, Ajmal, Mahesh Sukeja, Ashley Mascarenhas, Mohammed Akram, Mohammed Ansar, Ronald Rego, Barkat Ali, Umesh Pai and Aldred Pereira.
The current chairman is Valerian Fernandes, assisted by secretary Sufiyan and treasurer Hassan Mubarak, along with committee members Colin D’Souza, Saad, Sahil Muhsin, Jossy Pinto, Praveen and Arshad Rashid.
Sunshine Cricket Club brings together professionals including doctors, chartered accountants, bankers and entrepreneurs, while also embracing members from modest economic backgrounds. Beyond sport, the club functions as a close-knit family, offering support during times of need.
The club is celebrating its 50th golden anniversary, marking five decades of dedication and community spirit. Former members now reside across the USA, Canada, the UK, Singapore, Australia and India. The managing committee has extended invitations to all ex-members for the celebrations.
As part of the golden jubilee, events planned include a commemorative tournament on February 1, 2026, at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, a family get-together on February 7, 2026, food distribution campaigns in workers’ camps across the UAE, food distribution at Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru completed on September 6, representing the club at the ADNOC Marathon and a blood donation drive in Abu Dhabi.
The club has also honoured Oswald D’Sa, its oldest known member aged 91, recognising his lifelong contribution and dedication.
Sunshine Cricket Club stands as a testament to grassroots commitment, unity and passion, having achieved remarkable success without official patronage. The club’s journey continues to inspire cricketing communities across the UAE and the Gulf.