Adrian Beltre Appointed General Manager of Baseball United’s Karachi Franchise

EL NUEVO DIARIO, KARACHI, PAKISTAN – Baseball United, the premier professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, announced Friday that the league’s co-owner and future Cooperstown Hall of Famer Adrián Beltré , will serve as the honorary general manager of his latest franchise, the Karachi Monarchs.

The Karachi franchise, which was unveiled earlier this week, is the second franchise to be announced by Baseball United and the first professional baseball franchise in Pakistani history.

The Karachi Monarchs will compete in Baseball United’s Dubai Showcase in November alongside the Mumbai Cobras, India-based franchise Baseball United announced earlier this month. The two franchises are expected to generate significant interest among fan bases in each country.

According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), last year’s men’s T20 Cricket World Cup match between India and Pakistan was watched by 230 million viewers worldwide. The last Super Bowl, played in February 2023, was watched by 115 million viewers.

“I hope to help spread awareness and enthusiasm for baseball in Pakistan,” said Beltre, a four-time All-Star and one of only 33 players in Major League history with 3,000 hits.

“Our Karachi franchise is a huge milestone for baseball within this sports-loving country, and we are excited to work with our partners on the field to continue to grow the game. And when Karachi plays Mumbai later this year in Dubai, it will be a historic moment and an incredible atmosphere. I can’t wait,” Beltre said.

The honorary manager role will include information on player selection, coaching and baseball strategy, as well as participation in sponsorships and community events in both the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan.

Beltre will partner with Baseball United’s executive team and Monarch’s first manager, to be announced next week, to help select the team’s starting roster during the league’s inaugural draft. The Baseball United draft is scheduled for later this year.

“With Adrian, Karachi now has one of the best leaders in baseball to help guide and shape their franchise,” said Kash Shaikh, President, CEO and Co-Owner of Baseball United. “He has had a storied career at the highest level and is passionate about teaching and sharing the game. Pakistan already has a strong baseball fan base and baseball infrastructure, and now with the nation’s first professional baseball franchise, there are even more opportunities for growth. We believe the Monarch will soon be one of the most popular teams in the country.”

Baseball United recently announced a partnership with the Pakistan Baseball Federation to help grow the game at the grassroots level and extend the reach of baseball within the Pakistani community.

For more information on Baseball United, visit baseballunited.com.

About United Baseball

Baseball United is the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, which will begin play in November 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The mission is to inspire a billion new fans to fall in love with baseball. The ownership group includes award-winning business leaders and inspirational baseball legends, including Mariano Rivera, Barry Larkin, Adrián Beltré and Félix Hernández. In addition to our professional league, Baseball United’s ecosystem encompasses youth development, federation partnerships, media and content production, merchandising and nonprofit outreach. With more than 30 nationalities represented on our team rosters and a new set of entertainment-based game changers, Baseball United is working to create a new future for baseball in one of the fastest growing and most culturally rich regions. of the world. Learn more at baseballunited.com.

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