BWF Tests 25-Second Timer for Faster Badminton at Indonesia Masters 2026

According to the BWF, the initiative aims to make matches faster and more consistent, address player concerns over inconsistent umpiring of delays, reduce confusion, and clarify timing rules. It also allows players the freedom to towel off, drink water, or speak to coaches within the allotted time. ALSO READ | ‘I can’t push it anymore’: Legendary India shuttler Saina Nehwal confirms retirement How will it work? Players will be allocated 25 seconds between each rally and the clock will start when the umpire updates the score. Story continues below this ad Meanwhile, the server must be ready to serve before the end of the 25 seconds and the receiver must be ready to receive when the server is in position to serve. Players have freedom to undertake normal activities between rallies, including towelling-off and getting a drink which currently require the permission of the umpire, and the freedom to apply cold spray to themselves, if they are ready to serve/receive within the 25 seconds. Data analysis from hundreds of Major Championship and World Tour tournament matches showed that when 80 per cent of the time between rallies had no incidents (such as medical intervention, mopping, broken string, etc.), there was an average of 22 seconds between rallies versus nine seconds per rally. As such, the BWF believes 25 seconds is the appropriate period to balance sufficient rest for players and overall continuous play.