Speaking to The Indian Express, Prakash Padukone, executive vice president of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), during his visit to Pune to inaugurate a BPL feeder centre, informed, ``the invitation was based on the recent performance of the Indians during the Commonwealth Games at Kuala Lumpur where India had a creditable win over England.''

Elaborating on the issue, Padukone said `potential' among the Indians had impressed Steve Bradley, chief executive BA of E Ltd, who put forth the invitation.

Four men and two women would proceed to Milton Keynes (England) for two stints of 7-10 day duration. ``The first of the trips is scheduled for October, which is after the Indians finish their engagements onthe European Tour (Dutch, Danish and the German Open),'' Prakash added. The second half of the tour is scheduled for February after the Thomas Cup in Delhi. With the Thomas Cup concluding on February 20, the shuttlers would dash off to England and then proceed for the Swedish, All-England and French Opens.

``The trips to England are totally free of cost, barring travel,'' Prakash explained. On the two trips to England, Prakash added, ``We have basically taken into account the cost factor involved to and fro and therefore have clubbed the first trip when the shuttlers would be in Europe which in some way would reduce the burden. Later we plan to rope in a sponsor to fund the trip.''

The exchange programme to England comes after an unsuccessful bid, made by BAI, to have `Test' matches between India and various countries. KRANTI TOP SEED: Kranti Sane (Pune) has been given top seeding in the junior girls singles and doubles of the Sushant Chipalkatti Memorial junior state selection badminton tourney thatcommences here tomorrow.