While Saina Nehwal was perplexed with an unending 2018 season staring at her, what with the world body making it mandatory for top players to compete in the Super Series events, the organisers of the PBL assured it would be “less stressful” for the players.
It was emphasised that a lot of thought had gone into designing the league and the venues. The increase from six to eight teams would have meant 31 matches and a lot of travel for the home and away matches. However, it was restricted to 23 matches over five venues (Guwahati, Delhi, Lucknow, Chennai and Hyderabad).
The four venues were decided by a draw of lots and Chennai was offered matches as it had not hosted the last time.
“The other four teams will host next year,” said Atul Pandey, chairman of SportzLive, which has conceptualised and executed the league.
Even though she was game for the growth of the game, especially about the enhanced chance for the juniors, Saina was categorical that it was “totally not right” to have such a packed calendar, especially the compulsion on top players to compete in all Super Series events.
“If I were the president of BWF, I will follow the tennis way, and have four or five big events like the Grand Slams with a lot of prize money. Am happy that the prize money has improved but the calendar is hard. It affects the fitness of all the players. I need a lot of time to get back to my level,” Saina elaborated.
Pandey pointed out that each player would need to play only about five to seven matches over three weeks in the league, which was much less taxing as compared to the regular international circuit.
He also explained that the growth of the game meant that 40 more players would make a good living from the game.
Saina felt that a hectic schedule led to “too many champions”, as it was hard for the best to be on top of their game consistently.
