IPL Auction 2024: Mallika Sagar to Host Upcoming Mini-Auction, Becoming First Female Auctioneer In Tournament's History

Independent professional auctioneer Mallika Sagar is set to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction in Dubai. Mallika Sagar will replace renowned auctioneer Hugh Edmeades, who has hosted every IPL auction since taking over from Richard Madley in 2018.

Hugh Edmeades collapsed while hosting the IPL 2022 mega auction, prompting veteran commentator Charu Sharma to take over the proceedings and complete the auctioning of the remaining players. However, Edmeades returned for the last edition of the IPL auction.

I Have Never Fallen Off The Stage In My Life – Hugh Edmeades

Hugh Edmeades suffered “postural hypotension,” which led to a sudden fall during the mega auction in Bengaluru. Reflecting on the incident, Edmeades mentioned it was unexpected, attributing it to insufficient sleep and food.

“My fall came totally out of the blue in Bengaluru. In 2,700 auctions I have never fallen off the stage in my life. I am fine now, no recurrence. I think I was just physically unprepared. Not enough sleep, not enough food. I think I just ran out of gas,” Edmeades said ahead of the event in December last year.

“I felt it coming on and I thought I would have a break after I have sold Hasaranga but the next thing I knew I was being picked off the floor. That was unexpected. Touching wood, I am very fit, thank you,” he added.

Mallika Sagar To Host IPL 2024 Auction In Dubai – Reports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly appointed Mallika Sagar, the auctioneer for the Women’s Premier League (WPL), for the upcoming IPL auction. The event is scheduled to be held at the Coca-Cola Arena on December 19, marking the first time the auction will be conducted outside India.

Mallika Sagar will lead the proceedings in the IPL 2024 mini-auction, according to a Cricbuzz report. The BCCI has informed franchises that Ms. Sagar will serve as the sole arbiter for all aspects of the auction.

“An independent professional auctioneer, Ms. Mallika Sagar, will conduct the auction and she will be the sole arbiter as to all aspects of the auction,” the BCCI informed franchises.

Mallika Sagar, a Mumbai-based art collector and consultant for Modern and Contemporary Indian art, is the first female auctioneer of Indian origin. She conducted her first auction in 2001 and has been actively involved in the auction scene for the past two decades.

The 48-year-old has prior experience in the sports arena, having conducted the Pro Kabaddi League auctions in the 2021 edition. She achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian to conduct an auction in an Indian T20 league during the WPL in 2023.

A total of 333 cricketers, comprising 214 Indians and 119 overseas players, including two from associate nations, will be part of the auction. The franchises can secure a maximum of 77 slots, including 30 for overseas players, during the mini-auction to reinforce their squads.

Also read: IPL Auction 2024: Rachin Ravindra To Be Bought By CSK? Sanjay Manjrekar Drops Bombshell Revelation