Independent professional auctioneer Mallika Sagar will host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini-auction in Dubai. Mallika Sagar will replace renowned auctioneer Hugh Edmeades, who has hosted all IPL auctions since he took over from Richard Madley in 2018.
Hugh Edmeades collapsed while hosting the IPL 2022 mega auction, prompting veteran commentator Charu Sharma to take charge of the process and complete the auction of the remaining players. However, Edmeades returned for the latest edition of the IPL auction.
I have never fallen off the stage in my life – Hugh Edmeades
Hugh Edmeades suffered from ‘postural hypotension’, leading to a sudden fall during the mega auction in Bengaluru. Reflecting on the incident, Edmeades mentioned that it was unexpected and attributed it to lack of sleep and nutrition.
“My fall was totally unexpected in Bengaluru. In 2,700 auctions I have never fallen off the stage in my life. I’m fine now, no recurrence. I think I just wasn’t physically ready. Not sleeping enough, not eating enough. I think I ran out of gas,” Edmeades said before the event in December last year.
“I felt it coming and thought I would have a break after selling Hasaranga, but the next thing I knew I was being knocked off the pitch. That was unexpected. Touching wood, I am very fit, thank you,” she added.
Mallika Sagar to host IPL 2024 auction in Dubai: reports
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly appointed Women’s Premier League (WPL) auctioneer Mallika Sagar 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 held outside India.
Mallika Sagar will lead the proceedings in the IPL 2024 mini-auction, according to a Cricbuzz report. The BCCI has informed the franchises that Ms Sagar will act as the sole arbiter for all aspects of the auction.
“An independent professional auctioneer, Ms. Mallika Sagar, will conduct the auction and will be the sole arbitrator in all aspects of the auction,” the BCCI informed the franchises.
Mallika Sagar, a Mumbai-based art collector and modern and contemporary Indian art consultant, is the first female auctioneer of Indian origin. She held her first auction in 2001 and has been active in the auction scene for the past two decades.
The 48-year-old has previous experience in the sporting arena as he conducted the Pro Kabaddi League auctions in the 2021 edition. He achieved a major 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, including 214 Indians and 119 foreign players, including two from partner countries, will be part of the auction. Franchises can get a maximum of 77 places, including 30 for foreign players, during the mini-auction to strengthen their squads.
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