CHENNAI: Chennai Smashers, the city’s Premier Badminton League (PBL) side, have decided to retain the services of Rio Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu, Chris Adcock and Jerry Chopra, according to Vijay Prabhakaran, the owner of the franchise.
“We haven’t yet communicated the decision to the organisers of the league but we will be retaining PV Sindhu, Chris Adcock and Jerry Chopra for this year,” Prabhakaran told Express.
One of the Smashers’ major talking points for last season was their inability to play their home matches in Chennai as there were problems in securing the ground.
And it looks like status quo for the upcoming season as well. “I don’t really know about that,” was Prabhakaran’s reply when asked they would get to play in front of their home fans. “There has been some talk happening between the government and the league but nothing has been decided.”
With the league scheduled to begin in December — the official broadcaster has already started running promos — there isn’t much time left to get things in place.
sports@newindianexpress.com
Flashback
Chennai Smashers, who were a new entrant last year, lost out in the semifinals. They were beaten by eventual winners, Delhi Acers.
Teams who took part in 2016 Delhi Acers, Hyderabad Hunters, Mumbai Rockets, Awadhe Warriors, Bengaluru Topguns, Chennai Smashers.