PBL auction to take place tomorrow; Marin & Viktor among international attractions, no Lee Chong Wei

PREMIER BADMINTON LEAGUE is set to kick-start with another edition from January 1st to 14th next year. Before that, the auction will take place tomorrow and according to reports, last season's star player Lee Chong Wei won't be returning for this edition.

But good news is that Olympic Gold medallist Carolina Marin has agreed to play. It is learnt that she will be here only for few days. Indian badminton fans can be happy as PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal will be playing too.

In the 2016 edition, Saina couldn't give her best because of the injury but she has confirmed her participation.

"She got a very serious injury. It takes a lot of time to recover from that. Though she will participate in the China Open and Hong Kong Open this month, I believe she is just trying to get some match practice. I don't think she will risk her injury in a high intensity tournament like PBL," said a physio to TOI.

The league clashes with other tournaments and therefore most of the players have backed out. The ones who will be the star attraction for the auction will definitely be Sindhu, Marin, Saina and Bronze medallist at the Olympics Viktor Axelsen.

"Though the big names are missing the participation is better than last year. We have tried to get them but due to prior commitments they have declined our offer."

The league will begin in Hyderabad with the finals being held in New Delhi.