The WBSC is set to grow its membership to 141 nations ©Getty Images

Saudi Arabia and Bhutan are to become the newest members of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) after the WBSC Executive Board approved their respective memberships in its most recent virtual meeting.

The Bhutan Baseball and Softball Association and the Saudi Arabia Baseball and Softball Federation will govern the sport in the nations.

These still need to be ratified at the next WBSC Congress in 2022 and if approved, will raise the membership of the WBSC to 141 countries and territories.

The total WBSC membership could raise to 213 with their additions, as there is 77 National Federations (NFs) for baseball, 68 NFs for softball, 55 combining the two sports, as well as 13 associate members which include professional and youth leagues around the world.

Bhutan is set to become one of the newest members of the WBSC ©Getty Images
Bhutan is set to become one of the newest members of the WBSC ©Getty Images

NFs must meet criteria and activity standards to become recognised by the WBSC.

These include having a National Olympic Committee in the territory or country, complying with the Olympic Charter and WBSC Statutes and must recognise the WBSC as its only authorised governing body.

Their additions mean there are 36 members of the WBSC from Asia.