Softball finds footing in Pakistan

Softball, a variant of baseball, is rapidly growing in Pakistan, captivating the nation's youth despite its relatively recent introduction.

Unlike baseball, softball is played with an underhand pitching style and each team consists of nine players. Softball games come in three main formats: single-elimination (three innings), five-inning games, and seven-inning games. These varying game lengths cater to different playing styles and preferences, similar to cricket's T20, ODI, and Test formats.

Softball is often seen as a quintessentially American game but the sport is quite popular around the globe especially in countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, China, Japan and South Korea.

You might soon be able to add Pakistan to the list as the sport is slowly but surely gaining popularity in this cricket-mad country.

National team captain Shiraz Asif says that he has been playing softball for the past eleven years. The interest in this sport is increasing among the youth and all efforts are being made to qualify for the Olympics. Every year national softball championships for men and women are being organized in the country

The recent National Championship was held at KPT Sports Complex in Karachi. Army defeated WAPDA in the final of this event and claimed the title.

Pakistan Army team poses with the trophy after winning the National Softball Championship 2024. Facebook/Karachi Port Trust

President of Pakistan Softball Federation Asif Azim says that the game is gradually becoming popular in Pakistan. After school, college and university level competitions, national championships are also being held.

“All the teams participating in the event showed exemplary discipline. By organizing the championship, not only the players got ample opportunities to express their skills, but the spirit of mutual harmony, brotherhood and love grew among them,” said Azim.

He added that the tireless work and dedication of the Sindh Softball Association to make the championship a success is worthy of praise.

“From this championship, the national team will be prepared for international events. I am sure that the players who will perform well in the event can be part of the national softball team of Pakistan in the future,” the PSF president concluded.