BAI prez wants women`s doubles, review system in IBL 2

New Delhi: After the grand success of inaugural Indian Badminton League (IBL), BAI president Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta on Sunday said that there is a possibility of making a few changes in the next edition such as including women`s doubles and having a review system in place and advancing the timings of matches.

The Badminton Association of India president said that the biggest success for the popularity of badminton is both men and woman play this game. "Both genders play the game with equal enthusiasm and that is exactly why IBL has received so much of popularity, success and attention. Keeping this interest in mind it will be interesting to include woman`s doubles if format, time and situation allows," Das Gupta said. "Women`s doubles is a very important part of world badminton. Like men`s category, even women have three format at the Olympics and team world events. I personally feel we can have women`s doubles included but surely this is my personal opinion and not of IBL. "Such inclusion will depend on whether the format allows or not. And is this a feasible option, that has to be seen," he added. Das Gupta also said that he favoured brining in a review system in the next edition of IBL. "In all likelihood, there is a possibility of bringing in review system. There were some controversial decisions so keeping that in mind we will in all likelihood have decision review system from next year," he said. The Rajya Sabha MP also said that the timing of the ties may be tweaked after consulting with the broadcasters. "We want families to come out and watch matches and have fun at least for five hours and that was the idea and will work on it to make it more interesting next year. "Maybe seeing the time stretch we might work to start little early but nothing concrete has been decided yet. We have to talk to the host broadcaster also. Lets see what best we can come up with," he added. PTI