Top shuttlers from across the world have hit out at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for taking the novel coronavirus outbreak "too lightly" and putting them at "risk" by going ahead with its international tournaments.
The coronavirus outbreak, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday, has led to nearly 5000 deaths globally.
It has also badly affected the sporting calender with several events across the world being either postponed or cancelled.
International stars, including London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal, former World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth and ex-top 10 player Hans-Kristian Vittinghus, expressed their concerns and asked the BWF to suspend all its upcoming tournaments.
"I honestly don't get it! We should not be travelling the world playing badminton," Denmark's Vittinghus, a former World No. 8, said in a post which he has shared on his social media accounts.
He urged the BWF to follow other sporting federations in suspending the events.
Vittinghus wrote: "With some tournaments being played, while others are being cancelled, and the Olympic qualifying year still ongoing, players are left with choices between risking not only their own health, but also the health of the ones around them.
"... or giving up on tournaments, that others choose to play, risking to lose out on not only the Olympics, but also ranking spots that gives access to all the other big events. We should not be put in this position."
Kashyap, who is also in Birmingham, tweeted: "Please Wake Up! @bwfmedia."
Vittinghus wrote on his facebook page: "I understand it's (very) complicated suspending all play with all the many stakeholders for each and every event there is, but should the world of badminton not take the same responsibility upon us as the rest of the (sporting) world? Why are we so special, that we should just keep on going? We're not."
"I LOVE badminton, but sport is irrelevant at the moment - the wellbeing of the athletes, coaches and other staff is relevant."
"I understand it's a difficult decision, but if others can do it, why can't we? We have as big a responsibility in this global crisis, as anyone else. We need to take it upon us."