UAE to launch its first-ever National Baseball Team

Historic new team will compete in Baseball United Arab Classic tournament next month

Dubai: Baseball is about to make history in the UAE with the formation of the country’s first-ever national baseball team. Baseball United, the region’s first professional baseball league, has partnered with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) to manage and develop the UAE National Baseball Team. The ECB, which oversees bat-and-ball sports in the UAE, has officially sanctioned Baseball United to lead the team’s formation and growth.

The team will make its debut at the Arab Classic tournament from November 7-10, 2024, at Baseball United’s new ballpark in Dubai. This event will be the biggest national baseball competition in the region, bringing together teams from eight countries, including Saudi Arabia, India, and Pakistan.

Baseball United’s Chairman and CEO, Kash Shaikh, expressed excitement about this new chapter. He credited the support of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairman of the ECB, as well as other key officials, for making this dream a reality. He said, “This milestone is part of our long-term plan to grow baseball in the region. We’ve already helped develop national teams in countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal, and now we’re thrilled to focus on the UAE.”

Gulf Inclusive Cricket Board (GICB) launched at AccessAbilities Expo, Dubai

The new UAE National Baseball Team will follow World Baseball Classic (WBC) rules, allowing local residents and citizens, as well as players with family ties to the UAE, to join. This opens up opportunities for the diverse population of the UAE, which includes over 200 nationalities and around 800,000 baseball fans, according to research.

Shaikh added, “This is a proud moment for the UAE. We’re ready to train and develop a strong team that will inspire young players across the country.”

For more information, visit www.baseballunited.com