Travel remains challenging, for both economic and political reasons. Only 24 of the 29 Pakistani players were on hand Tuesday, while the arrival of others had been stalled until at least Wednesday because of visa problems. There was also a real chance that Pakistan, a Muslim nation, would face Israel during this modified double-elimination tournament, which would present obvious international intrigue. Officials in Pakistan, unlike those in Iran, do not ban competition with Israel. However, such a competition remains a delicate subject.

“There are really just two countries in the world founded on religion, Pakistan and Israel,” said Fakhar Shah, who is a dual citizen of Pakistan and the United States and who lives much of the year in Danville, Va. “We are trying to keep this low. For us, it’s a game, and we feel positive about it. Major League Baseball is doing a good thing, bringing countries together.”

Israel’s manager, Jerry Weinstein, a coach with the Colorado Rockies, said global diplomacy was the last thing on his mind.

“I’m the most apolitical person in the world,” he said. “Playing Pakistan for me would be no different than managing in the Cal League, or any other game.”