Punjab baseball to regain Its lost glory: Haider Lehri

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Apr, 2026) Punjab baseball is set to reclaim its lost position in national and international rankings, said Haider Lehri, founding member of the Pakistan Baseball Federation and head of the Balochistan Baseball Federation.

During his private visit to Multan, Haider Lehri visited the residence of Punjab Baseball Association General Secretary Jamil Kamran, where he congratulated him on his new responsibilities. He presented a bouquet and a traditional cap, extending his best wishes for the future development of the sport.

Speaking on the occasion, Lehri recalled the early development of baseball in Pakistan during the 1990s, when the sport was introduced with limited resources and a small group of dedicated individuals, including Mohsin from Karachi, Wasal from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and himself representing Balochistan. He said that due to the efforts of individuals like Khawar Shah and Jamil Kamran, Pakistan baseball achieved significant progress at the international level, improving its global ranking from around 150 to nearly 26th or 27th position.

However, he expressed concern that in later years, when responsibilities were transferred to new leadership, expectations were not fully met and the sport was allegedly managed with personal interests rather than collective development, leading to a decline in performance and structure.

He emphasized that Punjab remains the leading province in baseball talent, with a strong grassroots presence, particularly in Multan, which has played a foundational role in developing players from the local level to the national federation.

Referring to an international tour in Japan, Lehri noted that the majority of players in the junior team at that time were from Multan, many of whom are now part of Pakistan’s senior national team and continue to represent the country actively.

While players from Balochistan, Karachi, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were also part of the squad, he said Multan remained the backbone of the team.

He further stated that despite challenges and interruptions in the past, efforts were made to restore the system. Jamil Kamran, through consultation and practical leadership, reorganized the structure and worked toward bringing baseball back on track. Lehri highlighted that the first-ever state-level coaching course was successfully conducted in Multan under Kamran’s supervision, marking a significant milestone for the sport.

He praised the organization of the course despite limited resources and described it as a foundation for future development. He added that Jamil Kamran’s responsibilities have now expanded significantly, and he is expected to lead the entire provincial structure effectively.

Lehri expressed optimism that Jamil Kamran and his team will restore Pakistan baseball to its former position. He also expressed confidence in the new leadership of the Pakistan Baseball Federation under President Hamood Lakhvi and Secretary General Tahir Mahmood Raja, stating that Pakistan will once again achieve its lost standing at the international level.

Concluding his remarks, he said, “You will see Pakistan in future,” expressing hope that both Balochistan and Pakistan baseball will regain their true identity in the coming years.