The Indian Badminton League (IBL) has asked its franchisee Awadhe Warriors to find a replacement for Thailand shuttler Maneepong Jongjit who is facing an investigation by the Badminton World Federation on disciplinary grounds.
The doubles specialist, who is currently ranked world No 13 in men’s doubles, has been imposed a three-month international ban by the Badminton Association of Thailand for provocation and misconduct with his compatriot and former doubles partner Bodin Issara during the recent Canada Open.
Maneepong hit Bodin with his racquet following a heated verbal exchange after the first game. In reply, Bodin chased down Maneepong to an adjacent court and rugby-tackled him to the ground before punching him several times.
“The IBL Governing Council discussed the matter and took a unanimous decision to respect the views of the BAT. Accordingly, the IBL has asked Awadhe Warriors to seek a foreign replacement for Jongjit in their remaining budget and get back to the organisers in the next 48 hours,” IBL said in statement on Monday.
Maneepong was bought by Awadhe Warriors at his base price of $10,000.
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