Dubai, November 2024- Pakistan claimed victory in the inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic on Sunday, defeating host nation UAE 12-1 in the final to secure the championship title with an undefeated run.
The tournament, held at the Baseball United Ballpark at The Sevens in Dubai, featured nine participating nations. Pakistan opened the series with a decisive 10-0 win over Bangladesh, followed by a strong 10-3 victory over the UAE. They continued their dominant streak, defeating India 12-0 and Afghanistan 17-3 to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Muhammad Hussain was awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) title for his outstanding performance.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, extended his warm congratulations to the team. “Pakistan’s win in a sport that is not widely played at home has been a wonderful surprise, showcasing the skill, dedication, and determination of our athletes,” he said in a statement shared by Pakistan’s Embassy in the UAE on X (formerly Twitter). Tirmizi added that this victory enhances Pakistan’s standing in the international sports arena and expressed hope for more achievements and stronger ties through sports.
Also in attendance at the final were Consul General Hussain Muhammad and other diplomats from the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai. The Consul General commended the players and management, recognizing their dedication and effort in achieving this remarkable win.
Baseball United’s Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder, Kash Shaikh, also praised Pakistan’s historic victory. “Congratulations to Pakistan on this incredible win,” he said. “This was the largest and most competitive baseball event in the region’s history, and Pakistan’s team proved they’re not only among Asia’s best but are on track to compete globally. Kudos to Manager Syed Shah, the entire team, and Pakistan on this impressive championship.”
Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and the Subcontinent, was founded in 2022 and aims to expand the sport’s presence in the region.