The PBL auctions on Monday brought forth a surprising bid. It was none other than HS Prannoy who was the top pick at Rs. 62 lakh. This Kerala shuttler is now a part of the debutant team Ahmedabad Smash Masters. Previously playing for Mumbai Rockets, Prannoy will feature in new colors this time around. Moreover, the third season of the Premier Badminton League promises a line-up of top players in the badminton world. Here’s a quick look.
How other players fetched at PBL auctions
Chinese World No. 11 men’s singles shuttler Tian Houwei ventured into Delhi Acers camp for Rs 58 lakh. Following him was Srikanth who was retained for 56.1 lakh by Awadhe Warrior. The Guntur lad was second costliest Indian and third overall.
Apart from the singles, the doubles specialist also play a crucial role in a team’s success. Since men’s/ women’s doubles players can also feature in the mixed doubles matchup. Sighting such multi-faceted players, Chris Adcock (Rs. 54 lakh), Yoo Yeon Seong (Rs. 53 lakh) and Hendra Setiawan (Rs. 45 lakh) were some of the hottest buys in the auction.
Indian shuttlers at the PBL-3 auctions on Monday.
Moving forward, the teams had the privilege to retain one player by bidding 25% more than the last editions price. Therefore, many top players went for much less. Awadhe Warriors retained Saina Nehwal only for Rs. 41.25 lakh whereas Olympic silver medallist Sindhu stayed in Chennai squad for 48.75 lakh.
The owners were involved in intense bidding wars at #PBLAuction. Here are a few snaps! pic.twitter.com/QXq99Y3SyD
— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) October 10, 2017
Women’s world No.1 Tai Tzu Ying went to Ahmedabad at Rs. 52 lakh. Next up, Hyderabad got in Olympic Champion Carolina Marin in their kitty at Rs. 50 lakh. World champion Viktor Axelsen was the one not to miss. Bengaluru team thereby grabbed him at Rs. 50 lakh. Mumbai captured Former World No. 1 Son Wan Ho at Rs. 50 lakh. Following the suit was Sameer Verma who will be entitled Rs. 52 lakh at the end of the season.