India and Pakistan to play baseball series in Dubai

What’s the story?

In less than three days, India and Pakistan are set to face each other, but this time, it's not on the cricket field. Instead, it will be on a baseball ground. During the first ever Dubai Cup for the India versus Pakistan bilateral baseball series, both teams will face each other twice over the course of this weekend.

Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB) Secretary Mazhar Ahmad stated, "The federation is holding the Dubai Cup Pakistan-India Baseball Series at Dulsco Playfield Al Qouz Dubai. The national baseball teams of Pakistan and India are participating in this series. Two games will be played on December 9 and 10."

The context

When India and Pakistan face each other on the cricket field, the highly intense contests make the entire cricket fraternity sit up and take notice. A similar tremor can be felt in the hockey arena as well. Hopefully, we are in for a couple of riveting baseball matches between the two Asian neighbours.

The heart of the matter

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has sanctioned this high-voltage series in Dubai. In coordination with the Amateur Baseball Federation of India (ABFI), the series has been arranged by PFB.

PFB, which is hosting the event, announced that the tournament will be held at the Dulsco Playfield Al Qouz Stadium in Dubai. In order to generate extra motivation among the players, the points earned by the teams in this series will be added to the world ranking points.

What's next?

Both Indian and Pakistani baseball teams will reach Dubai on 7th December. The two matches are set to be held on December 9 and 10.

Author's take

India and Pakistan share a great rivalry in other sports such as cricket and hockey. Due to the prevailing political scenario, bilateral sporting ties between the two countries have taken a backseat. In such case, the baseball series comes across as a tremendous initiative with an aim of bringing the sporting fraternities of the two nations together.