LEE Chong Wei has called on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to scrap all international tournaments this year.
This includes the much anticipated Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Aarhus, Denmark on Oct 3-11 and the Malaysia Open, scheduled for November.
According to the 38-year-old former World No 1, it is only fair to all parties as the Covid-19 pandemic is still affecting the world.
As tournaments this year do not offer Olympic qualifying points, Chong Wei feels that competitive badminton should only resume next year.
Commenting on top officials calling for the cancellation of the Malaysia Open in a Timesport report, Chong Wei said: "We are living in uncertain times and I know it's not easy to make decisions.
"But as a retired player, I believe my views are unbiased. I know it's important for BWF to get tournaments running again because television rights generates revenue.
"However, member associations like BAM will lose money hosting a tournament because they won't make much from ticket sales.
"Having to adhere to strict SOP (standard operating procedure) would also mean empty stadiums.
"And if that is not enough, we have yet to consider the various travelling policies. Malaysia may not have as many Covid-19 cases but what about players from other countries?"
Recently, tennis World No 1, Novak Djokovic and seven National Basketball Association (NBA) players tested positive for the coronavirus.
Chong Wei, who is also Malaysia's Chef-de-Mission to the Tokyo Olympics next year, fears a similar fate will befall badminton players if BWF continue with tournaments this year.
"It's too risky. Just look at what happened to Djokovic and the NBA players.
"I wish to avoid speculating but I've been hearing too many rumours.
"Will the Thomas and Uber Cups go on as planned? Will the Olympics be postponed again?
"In truth, no one knows. But I stand by my opinion.
"I think it's fair for international tournaments to be cancelled this year. Just start fresh next year," added Chong Wei.
At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in March, BWF suspended the world tour events and world rankings before coming up with a revamped calendar for the remainder of the 2020 season last month.
BWF also confirmed that Olympic qualification will resume next year.
The world governing body are expected to make several important decisions after their annual general meeting on July 18.