DUBAI, UAE (February 17, 2026) — Kash Shaikh, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baseball United, will step down as Chairman and CEO effective March 1, 2026, the league announced today.

Shaikh led the creation of Baseball United in 2022, launching the first professional baseball league in the history of the Middle East and South Asia, headquartered in Dubai. Under his leadership, the league built a global brand and fanbase, constructed the region’s first professional baseball ballpark, partnered with international broadcasters and sponsors, introduced regional franchises and official merchandise, and completed an inaugural season that reached nearly 100 million viewers worldwide.

Baseball United also worked closely with several national teams and baseball federations in the region to help develop and showcase emerging players from India, Pakistan, and the Middle East, helping drive grassroots advocacy for the sport.

“Building Baseball United from the ground up has been one of the great honors of my life,” Shaikh said. “Together with a passionate group of employees, investors, partners, and fans, we proved baseball can grow in new and unexpected places — even Dubai. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who believed in this vision and helped bring it to life. The history we made together will live forever. As I begin my next chapter with a renewed focus on my family, I’m excited to watch the Baseball United team take the league to new heights.”

“On behalf of Baseball United’s Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank Kash for his leadership and significant contributions to Baseball United and to the growth of baseball globally,” said Matt Barnes, World Series Champion and Baseball United Board Member. “Kash’s work ethic, expertise, and passion played a central role in building our brand, launching the league, and delivering a historic inaugural season. His range of skills and love of the game were apparent in all of his work, and the foundation built during these formative years will be felt on baseball fields across the Middle East and South Asia for years to come. We congratulate Kash on his successful tenure and wish him and his family all the best in his next chapter.”

Following this month’s transition, Shaikh plans to focus on family and future entrepreneurial pursuits. Baseball United will continue operations as planned, with further updates regarding leadership and next steps expected in the coming weeks.