Baseball United Arab Classic lays firm foundation for the sport in the Middle East

The inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic ended earlier this week after four days of competitive action.

Pakistan remained unbeaten and by virtue of beating the UAE in the championship game, took home the trophy at the first-ever Baseball United Arab Classic international baseball tournament.

Nine nations from the Middle East and South Asia played 21 games at the newly constructed Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai within the Sevens Sports and entertainment complex in front of thousands of fans and a global streaming audience.

‘Largest tournament in the region’

Kash Shaikh, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Baseball United, praised Pakistan’s dominance and congratulated them on their ‘incredible victory’.

Pakistan’s performance highlighted an impressive combination of pitching mastery and offensive depth, outscoring their opponents by 57 runs overall.

Kash Shaikh emphasized the significance of the tournament, “This was the largest and most competitive baseball tournament in the region’s history, and the Pakistan team showed they are not only one of Asia’s top teams but also on the path to compete globally," he said.

UAE’s breakout journey

In their first international baseball tournament, the UAE team captivated the fans with their resilience and skill.

Incidentally, Baseball United created the UAE National Baseball team in just 30 days, after receiving official sanctions from Emirates Cricket Board on October 7th, 2024.

And under Manager Eddie Diaz, the team exceeded expectations, advancing through the quarterfinals with a victory over Saudi Arabia and securing a dramatic semifinal win over Palestine.

Their run to the finals, cheered along by passionate local fans, underscored the growth of baseball’s appeal in the UAE.

Congratulating the UAE for ‘making history yet again,’ Kash Shaikh said that the nation has now made inroads in the game of baseball. “This nation is already known for great sports and entertainment. Now, with our new ballpark and the UAE team’s remarkable performance, Dubai has propelled itself into the global baseball conversation”, he said.

A growing regional legacy

With its seamless launch and competitive spirit, the Baseball United Arab Classic has set a powerful precedent for baseball’s potential in the Middle East and South Asia.

From Pakistan’s historic title to the UAE’s breakthrough, every game contributed to a narrative of cultural unity, national pride, and passion for a sport poised for expansion in the region.

This tournament not only gave rise to memorable performances but also marked the beginning of a new era.

“We did a lot of work in a short time to prove to the world what’s possible with baseball in this part of the world,” said Kash Shaikh.

It must be mentioned that Baseball United constructed a new ballpark in a mere 38 days for all tournament games to be played on a state-of-the-art, professional baseball field.

Kash Shaikh said that the tournament was proof that sport can be played in the region. “I have always believed that baseball will be this region’s next great sport. People weren’t so sure about that when we started this journey. But a lot of people believe it now”, he mentioned.

With this success, Baseball United has established a foundation for future tournaments and continues to nurture baseball’s growth in the Middle East.

As the region’s love for baseball grows, the legacy of this tournament will surely inspire future players and fans alike.