The sport of baseball -- which is practiced in over 140 countries and has millions of fans and players -- continues to globalise and grow in international popularity. The latest development comes from Pakistan.

The Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB) announced that it welcomed a land donation from the real estate company Ajwa City in order to build the first baseball field in Gujranwala, a city located in Punjab, north of the provincial capital Lahore.

Muhammad Tanveer, the CEO of Ajwa City, said: "Baseball is gaining popularity in the country. Many Gujranwala players are representing Pakistan at the international level, but there is no regular baseball field in Gujranwala. That's why we are donating the land."

PFB President Syed Fakhr Ali Shah thanked Ajwa City: "The donation gives us a very important chance. Once the field is ready, we will set up a National Baseball Academy for younger players here. The field will host our national competition."

Pakistan, currently ranked 27th in the WBSC Baseball World Rankings, will participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic Qualifier (12-17 March in Tucson, Arizona, USA), along with Brazil, France, Germany, Nicaragua and South Africa.