PESHAWAR: Pakistan Federation Baseball president Khawar Shah has said Pakistan will participate in the under-15 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Japan in November this year.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, he said the World Cup will feature national teams as authorised by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).

Khawar, who is former director-general of the Punjab Sports Board, said they have shortlisted players from the 200 who appeared from various agencies of Fata in U-12 and U-15 trials on Friday.

“These players will further be shortlisted. The PBF will finally select 15 who will be trained at the baseball academy in Lahore for five years,” he said.

“Besides, the PBF will bear expenses for their education, boarding and lodging.”

Khawar further said Pakistan senior team will play world qualifying round for 2020 Olympics in September this year and hopefully qualify for the Olympics.

Pakistan is currently ranked fifth in Asia behind, Japan, Korea, China-Taipei and China while it enjoys 24th ranking in the world.

Fata Olympics Association president Shahid Khan Shinwari, Fata Athletics Association president Saif-ul-Islam and representatives from the Fata Baseball Association were present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2017