The sixth-season of the Premier Badminton League (PBL), scheduled to be held during the window December-January has been postponed due to the pandemic, according to Prasad Mangipudi, Managing Director of Sportzlive, which is the official host of the league over the years.
“Well, health and safety of all is of paramount importance, after carefully considering all guidelines, protocols and commitments and discussions with the BAI, we have decided to look for possible dates only next year,” Prasad said.
“We have been trying our best to see that the PBL doesn’t suffer any break. But, because of the pandemic, we are left with no option but to postpone and look for a possible window in June next year,” Prasad informed ‘The Hindu’ on Friday.
The second wave of the pandemic which is hitting Delhi and other major cities hard is one of the main reasons for the decision to put off the League.
“And, also we have written to quite a few big players seeking their confirmation to play in view of the Asian Badminton-legs being held around the same time. But, there were no confirmations as the players were not really sure about the international schedule and also not keen because of the crisis,” Prasad said.
“Ideally, I would love to have the PBL in June well before the Olympics. For, even if we were to have a chance to host it after the Olympics next year, it will be too close to the next season’s window which may not be practical,” he explained.
“Yes, we have informed the Badminton Association of India about the difficulties in going ahead with the PBL,” he said.
“However, there are plans to introduce grassroots as well as other badminton activities in order to bring back the badminton actions ahead of the next season,” he concluded.
