New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS): Reigning Commonwealth Games champion Parupalli Kashyap is eager to take on friend and rival Kidambi Srikanth in his opening match of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) that takes flight in Mumbai on January 2.

Kashyap, who will play for the Hyderabad Hunters, will likely face Bengaluru Top Guns' Srikanth on January 3 in a contest between the two sides.

"I am awaiting my first match and hoping that it will be a clash against Srikanth. If we play against each other it will be an exciting game, giving the in-stadia crowd as well as the viewers an exhilarating game of badminton," said Kashyap.

"Also With Lee Chong Wei in our team, we look a formidable line-up and we are all set to give a tough time to the opponents."

PBL will see its six franchisees -- Delhi Acers, Hyderabad Hunters, Bengaluru Top Guns, Chennai Smashers, Mumbai Rockets and Awadhe Warriors -- compete to take the trophy on January 17.

The opening day will witness Awadhe Warriors take on Mumbai Rockets.