The WBSC claim the video portrays the intense drama, action and emotion of international baseball, from the perspectives of fans and players.

A total of 12 nations will be competing at the event from five continents, with the competition taking place under the WBSC slogan "For the Title of World Champion".

Over 40,000 views of the promotional video, which was produced in collaboration with branding experts WORKS, were generated within the first 24 hours of its release.

The inaugural edition of the event, which is due to take place from October 28 to November 6, will feature a total of 50 matches, starting with a 30-game group stage.

World number one ranked Japan are joined by fellow Asian nations South Korea and Chinese Taipei at the tournament.

Hosts Mexico are one of five representatives of the Americas along with Venezuela, Panama, Nicaragua and Argentina, while Australia are flying the flag for Oceania.

Completing the 12-strong line-up is South Africa and European nations Czech Republic and Austria.

The competition is due to take place until November 6.

The World Cup is due to play a key role in qualifying for the flagship Premier12 in 2019, with the event awarding the highest amount of world ranking points this year.

The winning nation will be awarded 690 world ranking points - the third-largest award, following the top-tier international flagship competitions the Premier12 and the World Baseball Classic.

The silver and bronze medallists will receive 551 points and 502 points respectively, with 453 going to fourth, 404 to fifth, 355 to sixth, 305 to seventh, 256 to eighth, 207 to ninth, 158 to 10th, 109 to 11th, and 60 to 12th.