Excitement is building up for the IPL 2024 mini-auction set to be held in Dubai on December 19. Although it is just a mini-auction, the retention deadline has already created quite a bit of a storm. Naturally, there is a lot of buzz for the mini-auction. After choosing Dubai as the venue for the auction, BCCI is also considering roping auctioneer Mallika Sagar to conduct the proceedings.
Mallika was also at the forefront during the inaugural season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction earlier this year. Typically, BCCI either ropes in Richard Madely or Hugh Edmeades for IPL auctions. But, considering Edmeades collapsed due to “postural hypotension” during the mega-auction in 2022, BCCI does not want to take any risk whatsoever.
Mallika Sagar – seasoned campaigner in auctions
Mallika is not new in auctioning as she has conducted Pro Kabaddi auctions in 2021. She is currently based in Mumbai and is an art collector and consultant. She started her auctioning journey way back in 2001 at Christie’s – A British auction house. Mallika practiced for the WPL auction by watching old IPL auction videos of the likes of Richard Madley, Charu Sharma, and Hugh Edmeades.
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During the interview ahead of the WPL auction earlier in 2023, Mallika thanked BCCI for providing her the opportunity to conduct the auction.
“I am very honored to be asked and proud to be doing that.
“Indian women will finally get their due on the international stage, they will have the ability to play at the highest level.”
Overall, 1166 players have registered for the IPL 2024 auction. Indians are dominating the list with 830 players, while the rest of 336 are overseas players. However, all 10 franchises can buy only 77 of the players – 30 overseas and 47 Indian.
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