It holds the promise of a blockbuster start to the New Year. The rebranded Premier Badminton League (PBL), promoted robustly through an aggressive marketing campaign begins later today in Mumbai.
It will feature six franchises, film star owners and all the bells and whistles associated with sporting leagues in India these days. However, concealed behind the glitz and hype, is a gnawing concern over the fitness of the biggest drawing card in Indian badminton-Saina Nehwal.
The World number two has been battling a heel injury since winning silver at the World Championships in August.
In fact, at the season ending Super Series Finals in Dubai in December, Saina gallantly played through the pain, failing to make the last four despite a couple of gritty performances.
It is reliably learnt that while Saina’s injury is a “lot better” she is yet to recover fully. Her training routines have been low key and restricted mostly to sessions in the gym with little time on the practice court.
Yet, despite not having healed completely, Saina is all set to participate in the tournament, potentially exposing herself to the risk of aggravating the injury.
The reasons are not hard to decipher. A reliable source confirms there is “a lot of pressure” on Saina to participate. There is little doubt that in her absence, the PBL will struggle to retain its luster for the Television broadcaster.
The event has been revived after a two-year hiatus and ratings are certain to take a hit if the country’s most decorated player gives it a miss.
Saina also attracted the top bid of nearly Rs.67 lakh at the player auction from the Awadhe Warriors, and the franchise has no worthy replacements at hand if their marquee player is unable to play.
Under the rules this year, a “Trump match” has been introduced for each tie, with the winner taking an extra point. Saina is certain to be nominated for those matches, giving her team the advantage of making the most of her stature and proven ability.
An observer close to the developments over the last couple of weeks describes the situation as “tricky”. Although the reformatted scoring pattern with 15-point games will ensure shorter matches and hence reduced strain on her body, Saina will be expected to play five matches in the group stage itself over a ten-day period followed by the knockouts.
The key question is what could be the potential fallout of this intense schedule? Is there a risk of setting back her recovery, forcing her to miss upcoming events on the international circuit? Crucially, Saina is also India’s leading contender for a medal at the Rio Olympics in a few months from now.
Could a delayed recovery from this injury impact her chances of adding to the bronze she won in London in 2012? The women’s circuit is extremely competitive, bristling with at least 7-8 medal contenders, and it will be near impossible for a player with less than perfect fitness to clinch a medal.
Quite clearly, this is a tough balancing act. On one hand, Saina Nehwal carries the burden of ensuring the commercial success of the PBL for a variety of stakeholders- her franchise, the national association and the broadcaster.
On the other, she could jeopardize her own recovery from a debilitating injury that may potentially impact her prospects, at least in the short term.
(The writer is a Senior Editor at ESPNCricinfo.com)
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