Baseball United selects Mumbai as first franchise

DUBAI: Baseball United, the first-ever professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, has announced that Mumbai will be home to its first-ever franchise.

The franchise will be the first professional baseball team in the history of both India and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council and South Asian region.

The team’s name will be the Mumbai Cobras, named after a creature revered for its strength, agility, and resolve, and admired within Hindu teachings and culture. The Indian Cobra is a protected species within the nation of 1.4 billion people.

“This is a historic moment,” said Kash Shaikh, president, CEO and co-owner of Baseball United. “For the first time in history, this cricket-loving region will now have a professional baseball franchise. And Mumbai is the ideal city to carry that distinction. It’s not only one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the world, but it’s also the commercial and entertainment capital of India.

“We look forward to connecting with fans across this beautiful city and working together to build India’s next great sport. It’s our honor to welcome the Mumbai Cobras to Baseball United.”

The Mumbai Cobras, along with three other new professional baseball franchises, will compete in Baseball United’s Dubai Showcase in November.

All franchises, including the Cobras, will be fully owned by the league until after the inaugural tournament, at which time Baseball United will begin taking bids for each one. Mumbai is projected to be one of the most valuable franchises in the league — the Mumbai Indians franchise is the most valuable team in cricket’s Indian Premier League, currently worth $1.3 billion.

Baseball United will name the Cobras’ manager next week.