Rupesh, Sanave decide to play in IBL

Doubles pair Sanave Thomas and K.T. Rupesh Kumar Saturday confirmed their participation in the Indian Badminton League (IBL), two days after hinting that they might consider pulling out over their reduced base price at players' auction.

The two had said Thursday that they were unsure of playing in the $1 million league, after their base price was slashed from $15,000 to $5,000 at the auction without their knowledge.

"We have decided to play in the IBL and we spoke to Pune coach Nikhil Kanetkar yesterday to confirm our participation. We understand it is not the fault of the franchise, the organisers have done it. So why harm the franchise, we will try our best and not let our team down," Rupesh told IANS Saturday.

Sanave echoed similar sentiments. "Rupesh and I decided to play and I also spoke to Nikhil to confirm our participation," Sanave told IANS.

The two, who have won the national doubles title for a record seven times from 2004 to 2010, were sold to Pune Pistons for their base price of $5,000 each here Monday.