Mallika Sagar has been announced as the IPL 2024 auctioneer, marking the first time a woman will assume this role in the Indian Premier League tournament. Until last year, Hugh Edmeades was hosting the IPL auction. Edmeades took over as the auctioneer in 2018, succeeding Richard Madley.
During the 2023 IPL auction in Bengaluru, Edmeades collapsed on the floor due to postural hypotension. Charu Sharma continued conducting the IPL auction until Edmeades returned to take over. Edmeades successfully conducted the 2023 auction without any further health issues. However, there was a difference of opinion regarding Edmeades’s participation in the IPL 2023 mini auction held in Kochi. Despite this, the IPL management proceeded with Edmeades for the 2023 IPL mini auction.
The IPL management has informed Hugh Edmeades of the change in the auctioneer for the upcoming IPL auction in 2024.
IPL 2024 Auctioneer Mallika Sagar’s Career
This marks Mallika Sagar’s debut wielding the gavel for the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai on 19th December. However, she previously served as the gavel master for the recently concluded WPL auction. She has now undertaken the role of auctioneer for WPL twice in a row. Last year, she also presided over the WPL auction and received appreciation from all quarters for her performance.
In 2021, Mallika Sagar conducted the Pro Kabaddi League auction, showcasing her familiarity with sports auctions. Mallika Sagar graduated with a major in history from Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia. Her career commenced at Christie’s in 2001, eventually making her the auction house’s first Indian woman auctioneer.
The IPL 2024 auction will feature 77 spots available, comprising 47 Indian players and 30 overseas players. Among the 333 players vying for these positions, 214 are Indian players, and 119 are foreign players.
Scheduled to commence at 1 PM on 19th December, the IPL auction 2024 will be broadcast live on Star Sports in India and can also be viewed on the Jio Cinema App.