Mixed team champions India begin their title defence against Pakistan at the Arena Birmingham on Friday. Unlike cricket or hockey, where the atmosphere is electric, the Indian shuttlers are expected to ease past Pakistan.
While the Indian squad boasts of big names, Pakistan have struggled to field a team. It is learnt that their federation has named only a four-member squad with world No. 175 Mahoor Shehzad being their highest-ranked player, in women's singles. None of the other players figure in top-500.
