Mallika Sagar : In a surprising twist ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, the familiar face of Hugh Edmeades will be notably absent from wielding the auctioneer’s gavel. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opted for change after five seasons, signaling the entry of Mallika Sagar into the spotlight.
Let’s have a look into more details : Mallika Sagar Takes the Helm at IPL 2024
Hugh Edmeades, a seasoned auctioneer with a remarkable 38-year career, took over the IPL auctioneer role in 2018. However, his absence from the upcoming IPL 2024 auction has paved the way for Mallika Sagar, known for her role in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), to potentially take charge.
The move indicates a departure from the familiar, injecting a fresh perspective into the IPL auction process. Edmeades faced a health scare during the 2022 mega-auction, contributing to the BCCI’s decision to explore new options.
Mallika Sagar, based in Mumbai, is not a newcomer to the world of auctions. She has previously conducted Pro Kabaddi auctions in 2021 and gained recognition as the first woman auctioneer in the league. Her journey in auctioneering traces back to 2001 at Christie’s, a prestigious British auction house, where she spent 38 years before going independent in 2016.
In an interview ahead of the WPL auction earlier this year, Mallika expressed her gratitude to the BCCI for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of providing Indian women their due recognition on the international stage.
As the anticipation builds for the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai on December 19, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the fresh dynamics that Mallika Sagar could bring to the table. With her background in conducting diverse auctions, including the Pro Kabaddi League and WPL, Mallika is poised to add a unique touch to the IPL proceedings.
The shift from Edmeades to Mallika signals not just a change in personnel but a new chapter in the IPL’s auction history. As 1166 players gear up for the auction – 830 Indian and 336 overseas – the franchises can only acquire a total of 77 players, setting the stage for intense bidding wars.
Mallika Sagar’s entry into the IPL 2024 auction marks a milestone, breaking gender norms and bringing a fresh perspective to cricket auctions. As the cricketing world braces for this historic shift, all eyes will be on Dubai to witness the dynamic energy that Mallika injects into the prestigious IPL auction arena.
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