It is hoped that the popularity of baseball will rise in Pakistan ©WBSC

Twenty budding baseball players are being selected as part of an attempt to propel the game to greater heights in Pakistan after a Government-funded recruitment process.

Funding donated from the Federal Government and other entities, including the military, is helping the Pakistan baseball Federation (PFB) conduct trials for 200 athletes in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

It comes with the aim of finding 20 players with enough potential to train at the Pakistan Youth Baseball Academy in Lahore.

This follows a Federal Government decision to expand the development of baseball in a nation more traditionally associated with the bat sport of cricket.

“We recently conducted trials for the selection of players, and it was good to see that 200 players of under-15 age appeared in it,” said PFB President Syed Khawar Shah. 

“Through baseball, we can provide a platform to the youth to channelise their energies in a positive way.

Pakistan competed in the baseball competitions at two Asian Games ©Getty Images
Pakistan competed in the baseball competitions at two Asian Games ©Getty Images

“We are thankful to the people of FATA for sending their children to appear in the trials, and we are deeply impressed to see the hidden talent and potential of the players.”

Selected athletes will receive training to improve their baseball skills as well as free education, boarding and lodging.

They will train and vie for competition in Pakistan’s national under-15 side.

This comes as they aim to compete at the Baseball Federation of Asia's under-15 continental championships, which serves as a qualifier for the Under-15 Baseball World Cup.

Under the World Baseball Softball Federation (WBSC) World Ranking system, which takes into account points garnered across all age groups as well as senior levels, Pakistan has risen to its current position of 24.