Exclusive Interview
Kash Shaikh is the Chairman, CEO, and Co‑Founder of Baseball United, the bold new league accelerating professional baseball across the Middle East and South Asia from its Dubai hub. He’s building more than a competition — he’s designing a regional ecosystem that turns curious audiences into lifelong fans.
Kash’s playbook mixes high‑profile players, grassroots development, and culturally tuned, globally-recognized marketing to create clear player pathways and unforgettable fan moments. Baseball United’s audacious goal — to inspire one billion new fans — is matched by a practical focus on sustainable infrastructure, local talent development, and commercially smart partnerships that can keep the game growing for decades.
Can you tell us about the journey in creating Baseball United — what moment, convinced you to start the league?
Baseball was my first love. Since I was five years old, this game – the history, the pageantry, the players, the stats, the stories – has been ingrained in my veins. I’ve always looked for opportunities to integrate my work with the game throughout my marketing and entrepreneurship career. But this idea did not take shape until one of my closet friends, MLB Hall of Famer, Barry Larkin, inspired me about the opportunity to grow the game internationally. Lark is a Godfather of International Baseball, having done development work in India, ambassadorship in Asia, and grassroots coaching South America. He was the one who truly ignited this dream, sharing his thoughts with me back in early 2022. That was all I needed to get to work.
“I want everyone who comes to the Ballpark to have a great time”
In your childhood, was this your favorite sport, and what was your fondest memory?
Baseball was my favorite sport. I started playing “tee ball” at 5 years old. My first sports memory was catching a deep fly ball in centerfield during that first tee ball season that sent our team to the championship. I still talk to my family about that catch like it was Game 7 of the World Series.
Who are the shareholders for Baseball United and how has the vision evolved since the league was announced?
I am blessed to be the majority shareholder in Baseball United. I invested in this vision because I am passionate about the opportunity to grow the game, particularly in India, Pakistan and the Middle East, where my parents are from and where I’ve spent many years working in my corporate days. I want young kids in Mumbai and Karachi and Riyadh to have the opportunity to dream about being a baseball player, just like I did.
“I’d love for people to come out for the spectacle, the entertainment, the music, the food and refreshments, the mascots, and for the crack of the bat”
I co-founded Baseball United with Barry Larkin and another MLB Hall of Famer, Mariano Rivera, as well as another business partner, John Miedreich. Since then, we’ve brought on a total of 20 MLB legends as investors, including Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols, and more than one dozen All-Stars like Felix Hernandez and Ronald Acuña, Jr.
If you meet someone that has never experienced a baseball game, what would you say to encourage them to come and join the journey?
You have to learn the game, to love the game. And learning the game begins on the field, and in the stands. I’d love for people to come out for the spectacle, the entertainment, the music, the food and refreshments, the mascots, and for the crack of the bat. Then, soon, we’ve seen that shift to learning to “play catch” with a glove and a ball. And once you hear the sound of baseball pop the back of the webbing of a leather glove, you’re hooked.
What commercial and audience metrics will define Season One’s success?
Viewership – we want to set records for International Baseball viewership, and with Zee TV (India) and PTV (Pakistan) onboard, we can do it. Collectively, they reach one billion people. Now, we have to work together with our broadcast partners to promote our season and get fans interested in the game.
Fan experience is another key success metric. I want everyone who comes to the Ballpark to have a great time. Our Ballpark is one of the most diverse venues in the world, with more than 80 nationalities of fans and players from 25 countries. There are young college students, family’s of four, and everything in between. It’s one of the few experiences you can enjoy that brings that spectrum of people together.
Lastly, we are proud of our Sponsors, which include some of the most recognized brand names in the world like Coca-Cola, Ford, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Shake Shack; as well as exciting brands from Japan like Brother, Zealz, and Tsunagaru; and, of course, endemic baseball brands like Arrieta, Axis Bats, and SSK. All of these sponsors have seen the vision. After our first season, I believe they will now see the potential our league and sport brings for their business and brand.
You have received fantastic support from Councils, Ministry’s and Governments about this initiative, do you have long term plans for grassroots initiatives and sustainable growth?
We could not have done this without the support of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Sports Council, and Emirates Cricket Board. All three of these government entities have given us the opportunity to showcase our collective talents here in the great city of Dubai. We are very grateful for their support.
We’ve also partnered with more than two dozen Baseball Federations across the world to help develop players, create world-class curriculums, and market their programs to help drive awareness, engagement, and funding for their national team programs. This includes federations in India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, as well as establishing the baseball federation here in the UAE.
Can you provide an overview of the season start date, where to watch and how people can get involved?
Baseball United Season One runs from November 14th to December 14th, 2025. With an epic clash to kick things off during our opening weekend, with the Mumbai Cobras playing the Karachi Monarchs. This is the first time in history that India and Pakistan have played each other in professional baseball. While we know Cricket is King in both countries, we believe that Baseball is the young Prince. If we can get just a fraction of those cricket fans to start to follow our game, we will quickly become one of the most watched sports leagues in the world.
Don’t Miss Out – Book Your Seats Now!
Baseball United is making history in Dubai, and you can be part of it.
🎟️ Tickets available now on the District by Zomato app
⚾ Watch the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Dubai Wolves, and Abu Dhabi Falcons battle it out at Baseball United Ballpark
https://www.baseballunited.com/
