Initial franchise will be 1 of 4 announced this year by new pro baseball league for Middle East, Indian subcontinent DUBAI: Baseball United, the first-ever professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent will reveal its first-ever franchise on May 15. For the latest updates, follow us on Twitter @ArabNewsSport The franchise will be the first professional baseball team in the history of the region. Kash Shaikh, president, chief executive officer, and co-owner of Baseball United, said: “We are very excited to share the city and team that will be the first to carry the Baseball United banner. “This announcement is a huge milestone for our league, our players, our coaches, and – most importantly – our fans. “A lot of work and a great deal of planning has gone into this selection. It’s a big deal. This is history, and I can’t wait to share the news.” Baseball United will announce its first four franchises this year, with all four competing in its Dubai Showcase in November. Baseball United franchises will all be located within Gulf Cooperation Council member nations and South Asia, which collectively has a population of 2 billion people. GCC countries include the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Baseball United has defined its south Asian footprint to include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. The official franchise announcement will take place via Baseball United social media channels, website, and several international media outlets.