The Indian Premier League (IPL) is poised to witness history unfold at the Coca-Cola stadium in a matter of hours. The upcoming mini-auction not only marks the first instance of an Indian holding the prestigious position of a full-time auction master but also introduces the IPL’s inaugural female auctioneer.
The focal point of the IPL 2024 auction is Mallika Sagar, a distinguished personality in both the sporting and art worlds. At 48 years old, Sagar boasts an impressive 25-year tenure in the auctioneering sphere, initially making her mark in the Pro Kabaddi League before venturing into cricket.
Beyond her association with cricket, Mallika Sagar is a renowned art collector from Mumbai with extensive expertise in modern and contemporary Indian art. Her journey in auctioneering commenced at the esteemed Pundole’s Art Galleries in Mumbai, where she cultivated her skills and eventually made history as Christie’s first Indian auctioneer at the young age of 26.
Sagar’s influence extends beyond the sporting arena; she is credited with launching the first auctions dedicated to modern and contemporary Indian art. This groundbreaking initiative not only showcased her passion for the arts but also positioned her as a trailblazer in bridging the gap between sports and culture.
IPL 2024 Auction: Richard Madley Congratulates Mallika Sagar
Mallika Sagar’s appointment as the IPL’s first female auctioneer represents a historic transition from the string of international auctioneers who previously held this position. Richard Madley hosted IPL auctions over a decade, from its opening edition in 2008 to 2018, after which he was replaced by Hugh Edmeades
In a heartfelt message, Richard expressed his admiration and support for Mallika Sagar as she prepares to lead the IPL 2024 auction. His tweet, “Good luck Mallika Sagar as you prepare for the #IPL2024Auction. It is the ultimate honour to be invited to conduct the world’s highest profile auction, and I wish you well. I will always treasure the memories #IPLAuction #IPL2024,” encapsulates the camaraderie and respect.
As the IPL’s first female auctioneer, Mallika Sagar faces the monumental task of steering the auction ship with a salary cap set at ₹2.25 crore.
