BWF to Introduce 25-Second Shot-Clock Trial from 2026

By Abhishek Kumar

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced a new rule trial aimed at speeding up the game. From November 2026 select World Tour tournaments will feature a 25-second shot-clock between points forcing players to serve within the set time limit.

The idea is inspired by tennis and comes after repeated concerns over slow play in badminton. At present players often take longer breaks between rallies disrupting the rhythm of the match. With the new rule once a rally ends the clock will start and the server must begin within 25 seconds Failure to do so will result in a fault handing the point to the opponent. Officials believe this change will make matches faster more intense and more enjoyable for spectators both in stadiums and on television. Modern fans are said to prefer quick continuous action and BWF wants to align with those expectations

The trial will be carefully reviewed after its introduction. Feedback from players coaches and broadcasters will play a key role in deciding if the shot-clock should become a permanent feature in all major competitions. If successful this rule could reshape player strategies and add a new dimension to world badminton