The WBSC has confirmed that the inaugural the Slow Pitch Softball World Cup for 2023, following a proposal from a Slow Pitch Working Group of which Softball Ireland President Colum Lavery was a member.
The WBSC have confirmed the inaugral World Cup will be a 12-team tournament, with qualifiers coming from Africa (1), Americas (3), Asia (3), Europe (3), Oceania (1) and 1 Wild Card.
The 2022 Slow Pitch European Championships in July will act as Europes qualification tournament for the World Cup and a medal will be needed to qualify.
The Creation of a World Cup for Slow Pitch is a long time coming and a great step forward for the discipline. The World Cup will finally give an opportunity for Slow Pitch players globally to showcase their talent. We were delighted to support our European colleagues on the Working Group in recommending the Slow Pitch World Cup to the Executive Board.
Colum Lavery, President Softball Ireland