DUBAI: Pakistan’s baseball team emerged as the champion of the United Arab Classic 2024, concluding an undefeated run by overpowering hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) 12-1 in the final on Sunday.
Held from November 7-10 and organised by Baseball United, the tournament featured nine teams from across the Middle East and South Asia, including Palestine, UAE, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, and Nepal.
Throughout the tournament, Pakistan displayed both offensive and defensive prowess, winning all five matches with decisive performances that underscored their tactical and cohesive gameplay.
Champions of Arab Classic Dubai 2024
Pakistan’s journey to the title included an impressive 17-3 win over Afghanistan in the semi-finals, a 12-0 sweep of rivals India, a 10-3 victory over the UAE in an earlier round, and a 10-0 triumph against Bangladesh. Each game added to Pakistan's growing reputation as a formidable force in South Asian baseball.
In the final, the team’s top performers included Romail Khan, Mohammad Younis, Zan Shariff, Jibran Murtaza, and Mohammad Hussain, whose coordinated efforts and strategic gameplay proved vital. Faisal Hayat’s pitching was particularly effective, nullifying India’s and later UAE’s scoring chances, allowing Pakistan to maintain a flawless defensive record.
Celebrating Pakistan’s victory
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, praised the team’s performance, acknowledging it as an unexpected yet remarkable achievement in a sport relatively new to the country. “Pakistan’s victory in a sport not widely played back home is an extraordinary accomplishment, showcasing the skill, dedication, and determination of our athletes,” he said.
The ambassador’s comments highlighted the significance of this win for Pakistan’s expatriate community in the UAE, strengthening national pride and camaraderie.
Ambassador Tirmizi also emphasised that this success strengthens Pakistan’s sports reputation internationally. “We look forward to more such achievements and to furthering the spirit of sportsmanship between our nations,” he added.
Consul General Hussain Muhammad, along with other diplomats of Pakistan Consulate in Dubai, were present at the stadium. While celebrating the remarkable win, the Consul General congratulated the players and management of the team for their efforts and dedication.
Pakistani squad at Arab Classic Dubai 2024
Sameer Ahmed Khatri, Zan Shariff Von Schlegell, Amar Bilal Mahmood, Iyad Ansari, Pierce Romail Khan, Moosa Nonomiya (Khizer Hayat), Syed Ali Shah, Syed Muhammad Shah, Hasnain Jan, Syed Muhib Shah, Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Younas, Muhammad Hussain, Muhammad Amjad Aslam, Shahzad Ahmad, Wasim Akram, Musharaf Khan, Jibran Aman Murtaza, Wahid, Faisal Hayat, Hussain Imam Shah, Umair Imdad Bhatti.
A milestone for Pakistan’s baseball
The win marks a milestone for Pakistan, expanding the nation’s sporting presence internationally and offering new visibility to baseball in a cricket-dominated sports culture. The Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB), established in 1992 and affiliated with the World Baseball Softball Confederation, has worked to promote the sport in South Asia, with the recent victory expected to inspire future generations of Pakistani athletes.
The Arab Classic win follows a series of achievements by the Pakistan baseball team, which has claimed ten championships across Asia in the past fifteen years, including the West Asia Cup in Islamabad in January 2023.
Pakistan’s historic victory in the Arab Classic 2024 not only sets a benchmark but also enhances the nation’s potential for sustained success in international baseball.