Karachi: The Pakistan national baseball team could be on the verge of putting the country on the popular sport’s map. The Pakistan team is gearing up to compete in the prestigious World Baseball Classic Qualifiers, where they will play their first match against Argentina on September 30 in Panama City.

The top two teams from the six-nation tournament will qualify for next year’s main event in March. Pakistan team scout and players’ liaison manager Hussain Ansari is confident that the national side will be able to qualify for the World Baseball Classic. “Our coaches, which includes Patrick Anderson, are very experienced and game plan we have in place is going to woo people,” said Hussain while speaking to NCl.

“We have speed, power and velocity from pitchers so it’s going to be hard for any team to take us lightly since college or a good high school players are as good as professional baseball minor league players. “Pakistan is making big step forward in baseball after 30 years in making.” Hussain also drew parallels between cricket and baseball while talking about top-notch pitchers in Pakistan.

“Just to let you know as Pakistan is a hub for [cricket] fast bowlers, we can produce high end pitchers who can potentially make $20 to $30 million a year playing baseball. We will see those days in Pakistan during the next 10 years,” he said. Initially, 14 players were supposed to be part of the squad from Pakistan. However, due to visa issues, only eight were able to join the team.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 30 2022

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