News DeskDUBAI, UAE – Baseball United has announced that its Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Kash Shaikh, will step down from his leadership roles effective March 1, 2026, marking the end of a defining chapter for the region’s first professional baseball league.
Shaikh has led Baseball United since its establishment in 2022, overseeing the creation and expansion of a league that broke new ground across the Middle East and South Asia. Headquartered in Dubai, the organization rapidly evolved from concept to competition, building an international brand and cultivating a growing global fanbase along the way.
During his tenure, Shaikh helped deliver several milestones for the sport in the region. These included hosting landmark events, developing the Middle East’s first professional baseball ballpark, forging partnerships with international broadcasters and sponsors, launching regional franchises, introducing official merchandise, and completing an inaugural season that reached nearly 100 million viewers worldwide.
Beyond league operations, Shaikh worked closely with national teams, baseball federations, and government entities throughout Asia and the Middle East to strengthen baseball infrastructure, spotlight emerging talent, and inspire participation at the grassroots level.
Reflecting on his departure, Shaikh described the experience as deeply meaningful. “It’s been the honor of a lifetime to carry Baseball United from dream to reality alongside so many dedicated and passionate people,” he said. “Together, we created something from nothing, and that impact will be felt for years to come. I’m deeply grateful to all of our fans, players, coaches, partners, investors, and team members who believed in this vision and helped bring it to life.”
Tributes from fellow leaders within the organization highlighted Shaikh’s influence on the league’s early development. Baseball United Co-Founder and Hall of Famer Barry Larkin thanked Shaikh for his service, noting that his commitment played a key role in introducing professional baseball to the region and helping launch the initiative.
Board member and World Series champion Matt Barnes also acknowledged Shaikh’s contributions, pointing to his leadership, industry knowledge, and passion for the game as central to building the league’s identity and delivering a historic inaugural season. Barnes added that the foundation established during these formative years is expected to shape baseball’s growth across the Middle East and South Asia for years to come.
Following the transition, Shaikh plans to relocate to Texas with his family and pursue future entrepreneurial opportunities. Baseball United confirmed that operations will continue as scheduled, with further updates on leadership and next steps anticipated in the coming weeks.
