Who Is Mallika Sagar? Popular Woman Auctioneer Poised To Lead IPL 2024 Auction

IPL 2024 Auction: Anticipation is on the rise for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction scheduled for December 19 in Dubai. Despite being a mini-auction, the retention deadline has stirred up considerable interest. With Dubai chosen as the auction venue, there’s talk of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) possibly selecting auctioneer Mallika Sagar to oversee the proceedings.

Mallika played a prominent role in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction earlier this year. Traditionally, the BCCI has relied on Richard Madely or Hugh Edmeades for IPL auctions. However, given Edmeades’ collapse due to “postural hypotension” during the 2022 mega-auction, the BCCI is keen on avoiding any risks.

Mallika is no stranger to auctions, having conducted the Pro Kabaddi auctions in 2021. Based in Mumbai, she is an art collector and consultant. Her journey in auctioneering dates back to 2001 at Christie’s, a renowned British auction house. 

In an interview before the WPL auction earlier this year, Mallika expressed her gratitude to the BCCI for entrusting her with the auction saying, “Indian women will finally get their due on the international stage, they will have the ability to play at the highest level.”

Edmeades encountered a health scare during the mega-auction in Bengaluru in February last year when he collapsed due to “postural hypotension.” Charu Sharma filled in temporarily at the BCCI’s request, but Edmeades returned later to conduct the final phase of the auction. In last year’s IPL auction, Edmeades collapsed on stage, necessitating immediate medical attention, and Charu Sharma took over the proceedings.

A total of 1166 players have registered for the IPL 2024 auction, with 830 being Indian players and 336 from overseas. However, despite the large pool, the 10 franchises can only acquire 77 players in total – 30 from overseas and 47 Indian players.