“Not a big fan of 15 points”: HS Prannoy questions BWF’s new 3×15 scoring system

India shuttler HS Prannoy has raised concerns over the Badminton World Federation’s decision to introduce a 3×15-point scoring system from January 2027, saying the existing 21-point format offered a more complete and demanding test of a player’s game.

While acknowledging that the rule change brings a new dimension to the sport, Prannoy made it clear he is not entirely convinced.

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“It’s going to be interesting. Obviously, a point change is definitely an interesting aspect of the game. I’m not a big fan of 15 points; I would say 21 points was the best. As players, we all agreed to that,” he said during a press conference organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Also Read: Explained: Badminton’s new 3×15 scoring system and what changes from 2027

Prannoy pointed out that shorter formats could increase unpredictability, particularly in tricky playing conditions. He noted that even under the current system, matches can move quickly in venues affected by drift, and reducing the points further would leave little room for recovery.

He warned that matches could shrink to as little as 20–25 minutes, potentially impacting both the competitive balance and spectator engagement.

At the same time, the Indian ace acknowledged a potential upside. Shorter matches could allow players more recovery time, easing the physical toll of back-to-back fixtures. However, he stressed that adapting to a faster pace would be crucial, especially as younger players could benefit more from the change.

Prannoy’s comments come on the back of India’s bronze medal finish at the Thomas Cup 2026, only their second podium result in the tournament, which highlighted both the strength of the core group and concerns around squad depth after a heavy semifinal loss to France.

India doubles star Chirag Shetty also weighed in on the proposed change, explaining how it could significantly alter the rhythm and demands of the game.

Recalling earlier discussions around even shorter formats, Chirag said players had resisted such moves in the past.

“I think 6–7 years back, when it was first introduced, they were planning to change it to 11.5 games. That’s when we all, as players, collectively didn’t want that to happen because it would have completely changed the way badminton would be played,” he said.

Drawing from his experience in shorter formats, he explained that players would have far less time to recover or stage comebacks.

“By the time you are actually ready, two games are already gone. You’re already two games down. So it could have completely changed the sport, but 15 is still somewhat similar to 21,” he added.

Chirag emphasised that the traditional 21-point system tested endurance and tactical depth, while the proposed format could tilt the game towards speed and power.

“It was a very complete format, but 15 will now become more about speed and power. Players who are quick and aggressive will benefit. In 21, you couldn’t sustain that intensity over multiple games and rounds, but with 15, your body might allow it,” he said.

He added that the shorter format would demand faster starts and leave little margin for error.

“Players will go hard from the first point. In 21, even if you didn’t start well, you could recover. In 15, you don’t have that luxury. Matches will definitely become shorter and quicker. Whether it becomes more exciting, we’ll have to wait and see,” Chirag concluded.