The stage is set for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mini auction which is poised to take take place on December 18 at the Coca-Cola arena in Dubai. For the first time, an Indian will fully lead the auction, marking a significant milestone. Additionally, this edition of the IPL will witness another first – a female auctioneer, Mallika Sagar, will helm the event.
All about Mallika Sagar
Mallika Sagar, who successfully conducted the recent Women's Premier League (WPL) auction, is poised to assume this groundbreaking role at the IPL 2024 auctions. Mallika is a well-known figure in the Mumbai art scene and has gained recognition in the sports world, particularly after hosting the Women's Premier League (WPL) in 2023 and 2024. At 48, she brings nearly a quarter-century of auctioneering experience to her role. Prior to entering the cricketing arena, she was involved in the Pro Kabaddi League auctions.
Her expertise lies in modern and contemporary Indian art, a field in which she has substantial experience, particularly with Pundole's Art Galleries in Mumbai where she has conducted numerous auctions. Notably, Sagar made history at the age of 26 by becoming the first Indian auctioneer for the prestigious Christie's auction house.
In addition to her other accomplishments, she has been a trailblazer in the auctioning of contemporary Indian art.
Sagar's appointment marks the end of the tradition of having full-time foreign auctioneers. She succeeds Charu Sharma, who stepped in for Hugh Edmeades during the 2023 auctions due to a medical emergency.
Previous IPL Auctioneers
Richard Madley was at the helm of the IPL auctions for a decade, from 2008 to 2018. Besides being a former international hockey player and Surrey cricketer, Madley is most renowned for his legacy as a second-generation auctioneer. His British charm and masterful handling of the gavel have endeared him to IPL fans everywhere.
Following Madley, Hugh Edmeades took over in 2019. Edmeades is a British auctioneer known internationally for his expertise in fine art, classic cars, and charity auctions. With a distinguished 35-year career at Christie’s, he has conducted more than 2,500 auctions, selling over 310,000 lots for a total exceeding 2.7 billion pounds.
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