UAE team show quality at Baseball United Arab Classic final in Dubai

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All games were played at Baseball United’s new ballpark at The Sevens, with the UAE defeating India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan en route to the quarterfinals. (SPA)
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Updated 12 November 2024
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UAE team show quality at Baseball United Arab Classic final in Dubai

  • The team defeated several more experienced baseball nations during their journey to the tournament finale

DUBAI: The UAE’s national baseball team — assembled in just 30 days — put on a stunning performance when they played in their first international tournament at the weekend.

During the inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic, the UAE side won five games before finishing as runners-up, losing in the final to the championship’s highest-ranked team, Pakistan.

All games were played at Baseball United’s new ballpark at The Sevens, with the UAE defeating India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan en route to the quarterfinals. There, they beat Saudi Arabia — also playing in their first international tournament — and followed that up with a semifinal over Palestine.

That was arguably the championship’s most exciting game, with shortstop Chris Beyers hitting a momentum-shifting home run to spearhead the victory. Overall, the UAE outscored their opponents by 23 runs during the tournament, with Beyers (SS), Lorenzo Riddle (RF/P), and Gabriel Reque (DH) winning All-Tournament Team honors.

It was a strong and unprecedented debut for a team new to the international scene. The UAE national team was formed after Baseball United’s chairman, CEO and co-founder Kash Shaikh petitioned the Emirates Cricket Board to allow the organization to build, develop and manage a national baseball program.

The rights were granted on Oct. 4, based on “Baseball United’s professional knowledge, expertise and pedigree as a respected international baseball organization.”

Shaikh said: “I am so proud of this historic team and I’m very grateful to Emirates Cricket Board for enabling us to elevate the UAE on yet another global stage. To go from formation to championship game in just one month’s time is incredible.

“From our managers, Eddie Diaz and Roger Duthie, to the entire coaching staff, to this passionate and talented group of players — everyone came together to positively share the UAE’s vision and values through sport. They truly got the world to take notice. The UAE baseball team, our new ballpark and our Baseball United professional games and brand have put Dubai and the UAE on the baseball map. And we believe it’s just the beginning.”

Diaz, a Hall of Fame manager in Mexico, has a professional baseball career that spans more than four decades, with experience as a player, manager and executive. He played Minor League Baseball with the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians, and also was a Major League Baseball scout for more than a decade. Diaz later managed in Mexico’s top summer baseball league, LMB, for 12 years and its top winter league, the Mexican Pacific League, for 11 years. He also won two Caribbean Series championships.

“As Kash often says, we made history,” said Diaz. “It was an honor for our team to represent the UAE. Most of these guys have spent the vast majority of their lives in this great country so they were very proud to have UAE across their chest. We are looking forward to continuing (to get) better with Baseball United’s leadership, guidance, and support.”

The team follows World Baseball Classic eligibility rules and regulations, which will enable broader representation and participation for local residents. In addition to citizens, WBC rules allow for permanent legal residents and/or players born in the national team’s country of territory to participate in its international events, as well as those with at least one parent who is a citizen of or who was born in the country or territory.

Globally, baseball is classed as a top five sport, with some 600 million fans. Most are located in the US, Latin America, Japan and Korea. In the US alone, professional baseball generates nearly $15 billion in revenue each year.

International tournaments are gaining in worldwide popularity, with the World Baseball Classic generating record attendance, viewership and revenue last year. Baseball is also set to appear in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.


IPL’s new bat testing rule draws mixed reactions from players

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IPL’s new bat testing rule draws mixed reactions from players

  • Umpires are using triangle-shaped plastic gauge to inspect bats on the field

LONDON: The Indian Premier League’s new rule requiring bat checks before batsmen take guard has sparked mixed reactions among players.

While aggressive batting is influenced not just by customized bats, but also by technique and strength, the new protocol has led to animated discussions between players and umpires — and to some players reluctantly parting with their preferred match bats.

Previously, officials conducted bat inspections on the eve of matches. However, concerns arose when players occasionally appeared with a different bat on match day.

Now, umpires are using a triangle-shaped plastic gauge to inspect bats on the field.

The gauge ensures that the bat dimensions comply with regulations: A maximum depth of 2.68 inches, width of 4.33 inches and edge thickness of 1.61 inches. The curve on the lower non-hitting side must not exceed 0.20 inches.

Several players have already encountered issues under the new system.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ Sunil Narine and Anrich Nortje both failed the bat gauge test, while umpires took additional time to approve the bats of Andre Russell and Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag.

The question now is whether the rule change will help strike a better balance between bat and ball in the high-scoring era of T20 cricket.

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, who plays for Gujarat Titans, had previously voiced concern about the oversized bats used in the IPL, claiming they made it possible for batters to even dispatch yorkers for sixes.

“It’s not just about the bats, it’s the power, too,” he said.

Swapnil Asnodkar, a former Rajasthan Royals player who witnessed the power-hitting prowess of legends like Shane Watson, Matthew Hayden, Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum, believes that bats alone are not responsible for the surge in six-hitting.

“The game has gone to a different level with range and power-hitting. The rule must have been framed after considering certain things. It’s always fair to maintain a balance between the bat and the ball,” he told Sportsboom.com.

“It is also up to individuals. You cannot rule out the special ability of a batter. Some can time it, while some can muscle it. It depends on their bodies also. We have seen how Sourav Ganguly used to hit sixes. With players like Russell, it is all about power,” added Asnodkar, who was part of Rajasthan Royals’ title-winning side in the inaugural IPL season.

Now a certified under-19 coach at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s National Cricket Academy, Asnodkar pointed to a shift in training methods over the years.

“Correct practice matters a lot. Earlier, we were taught not to hit in the air, but the trend has changed. As players develop, they naturally acquire the habit of hitting sixes. Practicing correctly enhances their skills,” he said, recalling Hayden’s famous Mongoose bat and Gayle’s characteristically “heavy” willow.

Amandeep Singh Kohar, managing director of Hound Cricket Gears, said that manufacturers continued to follow International Cricket Council guidelines and that no new directive has been issued specifically for the IPL.

“We follow ICC guidelines. I have written down all the points needed to fulfill the manufacturing mark. There are too many points, and we are trying to follow all of them,” he said.

Former T20 stars like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo have used bats manufactured by Hound. The company also produces special edition willows named after Bravo, Narine and Akeal Hosein.

Sportsboom.com also contacted Jatin Sareen, managing director of Sareen Sports, the bat brand used by Narine and Parag, but he declined to comment.


Al-Hilal’s Jorge Jesus plays down foreign player advantage ahead of AFC Champions League semifinal against Al-Ahli

Updated 28 April 2025
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Al-Hilal’s Jorge Jesus plays down foreign player advantage ahead of AFC Champions League semifinal against Al-Ahli

  • Jesus, who has won five titles during his time at the Riyadh giants, said that both teams are familiar with each other’s strengths and the scale of the occasion

JEDDAH: Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus says that Al-Ahli’s larger contingent of foreign players will not be a decisive factor when the two sides meet in the AFC Elite Champions League semifinal in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference at Al-Inmaa Stadium, Jesus said: “Each team makes its own choices. Al-Ahli may have more foreign players, but having one more or one less doesn’t tip the balance.”

Jesus, who has won five titles during his time at the Riyadh giants, said that both teams are familiar with each other’s strengths and the scale of the occasion.

“We are aware of the size and intensity of this match. It’s a big continental game between two great clubs,” he said.

The Portuguese coach also praised the growing strength of Saudi Arabian football, pointing to the fact that three Saudi clubs have reached the semifinal stage.

“Having three Saudi teams in the semifinals proves the strength of Saudi football and the competitiveness of its clubs,” Jesus said.

On the other side, Al-Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle described the showdown as a “summit between two major teams” and said his players were relishing the challenge.

“It will be a tough game, and we are preparing ourselves well. Playing at home and with our fans gives us a real opportunity,” Jaissle said.

While acknowledging that Al-Hilal benefited from an extra day of rest in the run-up to the match, Jaissle was confident in Al-Ahli’s squad depth.

“We have 12 foreign players, but I don’t separate them from the Saudis. We have a strong group overall, and what matters is the performance,” he said.

Reflecting on Al-Ahli’s run to the last four, Jaissle added: “Our previous results in Asia show that we can reach the final. We trust ourselves.”


Five things to look out for at the AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals in Jeddah

Updated 28 April 2025
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Five things to look out for at the AFC Champions League Elite semi-finals in Jeddah

  • Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli face off in an all-Saudi clash on Tuesday, while Al-Nassr take on Kawasaki Frontale of Japan the following day

LONDON: Three Saudi Arabian teams entered the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite in Jeddah, and all three progressed to the last four. On Tuesday, Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal meet in the first semi-final while, 24 hours later, Al-Nassr take on Kawasaki Frontale of Japan. Here are five things to look out for as the continent’s premier club competition reaches its climax.

Al-Dawsari the main man for Al-Hilal

The headlines wrote themselves after Al-Hilal thrashed Gwangju FC 7-0 on Friday. A team that had looked uncharacteristically shaky on the home front was suddenly back to doing its favorite thing, winning big in big Asian games.

Coach Jorge Jesus would have been delighted with the fact that all seven goals against the South Koreans were scored by different players. Perhaps the best was Salem Al-Dawsari’s effort as he moved to nine goals for the tournament so far. That is an incredible effort for a player who is not a striker and is surrounded by players who love nothing more than to get on the scoresheet.

So for all the famous foreign talent, it is a very familiar face that Al-Ahli will have to be wary of on Tuesday. Al-Dawsari is in some of the best form of an exceptional career. He will take some stopping and, on Friday’s evidence, so will Al-Hilal.

Recent Ahli win means nothing but Firmino on fire

“Bring on Al-Hilal” chanted the Al-Ahli fans as their team defeated Buriram United 3-0 on Saturday.

Understandably so. It was just a few weeks ago that Ivan Toney scored a hat-trick to give the Greens a famous 3-2 win over the Blues in Riyadh. That will give the Jeddah giants confidence but will not actually mean that much when the two teams take the pitch in Jeddah. Beating Al-Hilal once a season is not easy, twice is special.

Yet Al-Hilal will know that they lost to a team without Roberto Firmino because the former Liverpool star is not registered for the Saudi Pro League. The Brazilian took out the frustration of prolonged inactivity on Buriram on Saturday with a top-class display of attacking vision, creativity and no small goal threat.

It has been a mixed season for “Bobby” but if he can down Al-Hilal and take Al-Ahli to a third final and a first title then his status as club legend will be assured.

Al-Nassr look to Ronaldo to make it an all-Saudi final

Al-Nassr made short work of Yokohama F. Marinos, winning 4-1 against the Japanese team. The only downside was the late goal conceded.

To be honest, Stefano Pioli’s men were not tested too much and swept aside the visitors in waves of attacks in the first half. Jhon Duran scored twice and his cutting edge will be needed in the next game. Yokohama are bottom of the J. League and were poor defensively. Kawasaki Frontale will not be quite as generous.

The pressure is on the Yellows. They have never been Asian champions. If they lose here then the season is almost over given that they are eight points behind an Al-Ittihad team that is resting and recovering while its title rivals are playing in Asia.

The likes of Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte have won big prizes but none more so than Cristiano Ronaldo. His experience and leadership will be crucial. Losing at the semi-final stage is always painful but will be especially so with the knowledge that there is a Saudi Arabian rival waiting.

Kawasaki ready to learn from other easterners

The Japanese team have underachieved in Asia in their past 10 appearances but eventually made it to the semi-finals for the first time on Sunday with a 3-2 win over Al-Sadd. After three disappointing results from East Asian teams in the previous two days, it is good for the competition that there is a representative from the other side of the continent.

Kawasaki are up against it. Al-Nassr have had an extra day’s rest and the Japanese team had to go into extra-time. Al-Nassr have the home support too. Yet all that means there is little pressure on the four-time J. League champions.

In the other three quarterfinals, all the Saudi Arabian teams scored early and the games were soon over. Kawasaki will be determined not to make the same mistakes. If they can keep it tight then the tension and frustration may grow.

It is not the first all-Saudi Champions League semi-final

This is the first time in the tournament’s history that three teams from one country are in the last four. The Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli semi-final is not, however, the first time that Saudi Arabian teams have met at this stage.

In 2012 there was the Jeddah derby. Al-Ittihad defeated their local rivals Al-Ahli 1-0 thanks to Naif Hazazi. The second leg was at the same Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium. Al-Ittihad were ready to get to another final but ended up losing 2-0. Moataz Al-Mousa scored just before the break and then, as extra-time loomed, Victor Simoes won it for the Greens who then lost 3-0 to Ulsan of South Korea in the final.

In 2021, it was time for the Riyadh derby, a one-legged affair. Moussa Marega put Al-Hilal ahead in the first half. Soon after the restart, Talisca equalized for Al-Nassr and then, with 20 minutes remaining, Salem Al-Dawsari struck to score one of the most famous goals of his career to send the Blues to the final where they went on to win a fourth crown.

He will be looking to do something similar on Tuesday.


‘No-foul call’ controversy as Knicks escape Pistons’ last-second shot for 3–1 lead

Updated 28 April 2025
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‘No-foul call’ controversy as Knicks escape Pistons’ last-second shot for 3–1 lead

  • While the Knicks push through to the playoffs, fans in Abu Dhabi have reason to get excited with 2 pre-season games against the 76ers this October

DUBAI: For the second straight game, the New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons went down to the wire. The Knicks had secured a 118–116 win in Game 3, and Game 4 was just as dramatic on Sunday.

With the Pistons down by one point, the ball was batted around in the final seconds and ended up in Tim Hardaway Jr.’s hands. He shot a three-pointer just before the buzzer and drew some contact from New York’s Josh Hart that was not called a foul.

Had the shot gone in, or had a foul been called, it could have won the game for Detroit, but instead, the Knicks sealed a 3–1 series lead.

NBA referee David Guthrie commented to a pool reporter after the game: “During live play, it was judged that Josh Hart made a legal defensive play.

“After postgame review, we observed that Hart makes body contact that is more than marginal to Hardaway Jr. and a foul should have been called.”

The Knicks and Pistons have delivered a highly competitive and nail-biting series so far.

As former New York Knicks player Joakim Noah described it: “They’re in for a real fight against the Detroit Pistons.”

Speaking in Abu Dhabi at the BRED Festival on Thursday, Noah predicted a tense first-round series. “The playoffs are the pinnacle of our sport, and the intensity is very high.

“The Knicks are a good team, they’re very well-coached. But the playoffs are about matchups,” he said

Describing the Pistons, Noah said: “This is a young team that lost a lot last year, and when you lose that much, it brings a different kind of pain. The Pistons carried that pain this year, and they’ve had a great season.

“Now they get to play on the big stage. I think the New York Knicks are a very good team, but they’re up against a real battle right now against the Pistons.”

The No. 3-seed Knicks and No. 6-seed Pistons will face off again in Game 5 of their first-round playoffs series, with the former returning home and looking to advance to the second round on April 29.

Meanwhile, fans in Abu Dhabi have reason to be excited.

Later this year, the Knicks will face the Philadelphia 76ers in The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ, organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

The two iconic teams will be in action across two preseason games, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 4, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

While the preseason games in Abu Dhabi are not a part of the official NBA season, they remain highly competitive and thrilling for fans.

As Noah described it, even in pre-season, seeing great talents like Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks) live, rather than just on TV or social media, is powerful and inspiring.

Reflecting on his own experience, Noah, who began his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls before joining the Knicks, said: “I remember for me personally, I saw Michael Jordan play in Paris in ’97 when I was 10 years old.

“And I felt so blessed to be able to be in that gym, and that moment to me, it changed my life. I wanted to play for the Chicago Bulls since I was 9 years old, and I got to see Michael Jordan play with the Chicago Bulls, and I was like, OK, this is it. This is what I want to do.”


Japan, Malaysia off to flying start at Sudirman Cup

Updated 28 April 2025
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Japan, Malaysia off to flying start at Sudirman Cup

  • Malaysia, who are also chasing a first Sudirman Cup title, opened with a victory for their men’s doubles pair before Goh Jin Wei and Leong Jun Hao won their respective singles matches to take the tie

XIAMEN: Japan got off to a flying start in their bid for a first Sudirman Cup title by thrashing Australia 5-0, while Group C rivals Malaysia thumped France by the same score at the biennial mixed team competition on Monday.
Japan got on the board through mixed doubles pair Hiroki Midorikawa and Natsu Saito before teenager Tomoka Miyazaki won her singles match 21-12 21-9 against Tiffany Ho. Kodai Naraoka sealed the tie with his men’s singles win over Jack Yu.
Japan finished runners-up in 2015, 2019 and 2021.
Malaysia, who are also chasing a first Sudirman Cup title, opened with a victory for their men’s doubles pair before Goh Jin Wei and Leong Jun Hao won their respective singles matches to take the tie.
In Group B, South Korea lost their men’s singles match when Jeon Hyeok-jin went down 21-10 23-21 to Canada’s Victor Lai, but the four-times champions got back on level terms through Paris Olympic women’s champion An Se-young before winning the remaining three matches.
The South Koreans are in a strong position to finish inside the top two and qualify for the quarter-finals of the April 27-May 4 tournament as they now top the group with two points, having beaten Czech Republic 4-1 on Sunday.
In the evening session, defending champions China will resume their quest for a record-extending 14th title against Hong Kong while Taiwan will face Czech Republic and Thailand will take on Algeria.