Talented Darwin cricketer Adi Dave has died, sparking an outpouring of grief

The tragic death of a beloved Territory cricketer has sent shockwaves through the community. Read the outpouring of sadness.

Darwin Cricket Club player Adi Dave. Picture: Facebook.

A beloved Territory cricketer known for his skills on the ground and humility and kindness off it has died, sending shockwaves across the community.

Adi Dave, 23, was a star of the Top End cricket community captaining both the under-17s and under-19s representative sides and for his known ability at the Nightcliff Cricket Club.

Dave was propelled into the spotlight as a 15-year-old in 2017 when he made a cameo at short leg during Australia’s intra-squad match in Darwin.

Not a one trick pony, Dave had a stellar life away from the sport.

Interested in anything and everything and with a thirst for knowledge, Dave had his own podcast the ‘Adi Dave Podcast’ on YouTube where he interviewed Territory personalities about their life stories.

Dave was in the second year of a law degree at Deakin University and previously served as an associate to the Hon. Justice Judith Kelly in the NT Supreme Court from 2022 to 2023.

Nightcliffs Adi Dave as Darwin v Nightcliff Premier Grade cricket at Khalin Oval. Picture Glenn Campbell

Since the announcement of his death on Monday evening, the cricketing community has expressed an outpouring of grief with many in a state of shock at his passing.

Darwin Cricket Club posted a tribute to Dave late Monday night on Facebook saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the deeply sad news of the recent passing of Adi Dave, a cherished member of our cricketing family.

“Adi was not only a player of exceptional talent but also a true friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Adi’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

“We stand together with them in their grief and offer our full support.

“We understand how challenging this news is to process, and we encourage everyone to lean on one another.

“If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to your teammates, friends, or family. Rest in peace, Adi.”

The cricket club also announced that Dave’s funeral will be held on November 30 at Harmony Hall, 44 Patterson St, Malak NT 0812, from 11am to 1pm.

Adi Dave's funeral will be held this Saturday. Picture: Facebook.

Udara Weerasinghe coached Dave in the under-19s in 2019 and remembered him as one of the most humble and talented young up and comers in the Territory.

“I’m devastated to hear the news, it’s horrible to hear this has happened to someone so young,” Weerasinghe said.

“He was one of the kids from up here who actually had the potential to go to the next level in cricket.

“He was always a lovely young man and a very humble guy, 10 out of 10 people would tell you how good he is as a person and as a cricketer.

“He was an outstanding captain at a young age, the way he hung around as a batter and his left-arm spin was great, and I was so pleased to see him back playing cricket last season.

“Unfortunately the Territory is not easy for sportspeople to progress, they need to move away to succeed, which is hard, and we need to do better with giving them a space to talk.”

Adi Dave. Picture: Instagram.

Other members of the cricket fraternity have expressed their outpouring of sadness on social media.

One commenter said: “The most humble, respectful and down to earth man, we will miss you so much Adi.”

While another wrote: “Heartbreaking. Our young people shouldn’t be dying like this.”

A third said: “Terrible news RIP mate.”

Another said: “I’m in shock, he was one of the most respectful and caring young men I ever encountered in a sporting environment. Wonderfully supportive parents, a great kid. RIP young fella. Condolences to the family.”