Kuala Lumpur: The future of Malaysia's top women's doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) remains uncertain and will be determined after their participation in the Thailand Open 2025, scheduled for May 13-18. BAM Deputy President 1, Datuk V. Subramaniam, confirmed that the players have not yet signed a new contract with the association.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Subramaniam stated that a final discussion will take place following their return from Thailand. "With the permission of our president, we will call them for one more final discussion to inform them of the decision. Now they are away in Thailand, so when they come back, probably anytime next week," he mentioned during a press conference following the 80th BAM annual general meeting.

Subramaniam emphasized the urgency of resolving the contract situation and cautioned against players using negotiations as leverage. "We also don't want players to hold us at ransom because that must be very clear. If that is not clear, then we are creating a disease. So, all the other players have discussed and settled except both of them," he added.

Speculation has been circulating that Pearly and Thinaah, whose contracts expired last December, might be considering leaving BAM. The pair, ranked fourth in the world, are set to face Japan's Hina Osawa and Akari Sato in their opening match at the Thailand Open 2025.

In related matters, Subramaniam mentioned that the BAM council meeting had reached a consensus on the need for increased transparency regarding player earnings. He noted that, similar to international practices in sports like football, there might be a time when BAM will need to disclose financial details to the public. However, any such disclosures would occur only after discussions with the players and if deemed necessary.