Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan formed the BBF with Pakistan during a meeting. The Pakistan Baseball Federation President Shaukat Javed has been elected as its first president and Khawar Shah its secretary.
The federation announced that its inaugural event will be held in Lahore from April 7.
“The newly-found federation has vowed to bring international sports back to the country,” said Javed. “The isolation has a link with Gaddafi Stadium so we’ll organise our first event at the same venue.”
Sarbhajeet Singh, who represented India, said playing Pakistan in a bilateral series was not possible but lauded the initiative taken by the federation in an attempt to bring both countries closer. “It’s just a start. I’m hopeful that both countries will play each other soon.”
President of the Afghanistan Baseball Federation Hamid Ullah remained optimistic of the sport’s increase in popularity due to the six countries’ involvement. “Currently cricket is the most popular sport in our region but since baseball is similar to it, I hope we are able to promote it with similar spirit.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2011.
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