Asean Basketball League here to stay

THE Asean Basketball League is here to stay despite uncertainties caused by the by the Covid-19 pandemic. Although things have been going downhill for the ABL, several decision-makers denied that the league will be cancelled. The league was suspended on March 13 due to Covid-19. On Wednesday, media reports emerged in the Philippines that the ABL has not renewed the contracts of their staff, including chief operating officer Jericho Illagan, since March 30. The Singapore Slingers, who are one of three major decision-makers of the league alongside the Saigon Heat and KL Dragons, denied that the league is shutting down. Heat general manager Connor Nguyen also went on record to say that the ABL is not folding up for good. "There are no plans of shutting down the ABL. I am not sure where that came from, but someone put it out there and the rest just ran with it," said Nguyen in an interview with ESPN. "However, given the current conditions, especially due to the uncertainty over travel restrictions and border policies, I think it will be tough to finish the season this year. "It will have a ripple effect on the 2020-21 season with the timeline likely to be moved to early next year, instead of its usual November start date," added Nguyen. Meanwhile, the Dragons remained tight-lipped on the situation with general manager Yaakub Hussaini saying that a decision has yet to be made. "I know everyone wants to know about the ABL. "However, I do not have an answer since I have not discussed this with the team owners," said Yaakub. The league has also been hampered by news that Thailand's Mono Vampire announced their disbandment on March 31. ABL teams Formosa Dreamers and Fubon Braves have also jointly set up a new professional league in Taiwan. That would mean both teams will unlikely return to the ABL should the league resume in the future.
Courtesy of: nst.com.my