Premier Badminton League is a franchise league, managed and commercially owned by the Badminton Association of India. It was named Indian Badminton League (IBL) when founded in 2013 then later rechristened to Premier Badminton League before the start of 2nd season in 2016. The inaugural edition of the Indian Badminton League was held in India from 14 August 2013 to 31 August 2013.[1]Hyderabad Hotshots won the inaugural IBL title at Mumbai on 31 August 2013.[2] The second season of the league 2016 Premier Badminton League was held from 2 to 17 January 2016. Delhi Acers defeated Mumbai Rockets in the final to clinch the title.
IBL 2013 auctions
The first season auctions were scheduled on 30 June 2013 which were postponed to 19 July 2013 and again postponed to 22 July 2013.[3] The 2013 auctions were held in Delhi[4] and were conducted by International Auctioneer Bob Hayton. The highest paid players were the Malaysian Lee Chong Wei, sold for $135,000 to Mumbai Masters and Indian Saina Nehwal who went to Hyderabad Hotshots for $120,000. The auction itself was not short of controversy. The base price of Indian marquee players, Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa were halved from USD 50,000 to USD 25,000, without the players' notice.
[5] Chinese players did not take part in the 2013 tournament.[6]