IPL 2024 Auction: Mallika Sagar set to become first female Auctioneer in IPL's History

Digital Desk: Renowned auctioneer Mallika Sagar is on the verge of creating history as she steps into the role of the first female auctioneer in the 16-year legacy of the Indian Premier League (IPL). After successfully staging the Women's Premier League auction in Mumbai on December 9, Mallika is set to take charge of the IPL 2024 auction in Dubai on December 19, marking a significant milestone in the cricketing extravaganza.

Mallika Sagar, hailing from Mumbai, is not only a distinguished auctioneer but also a well-known art collector with a deep expertise in modern and Indian contemporary art. Armed with a significant degree in art history from Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia, she embarked on her career at Christie's in 2001, eventually becoming the prestigious auction house's first female auctioneer of Indian origin.

Having earned widespread acclaim for her adept handling of the last two WPL auctions in Mumbai, Mallika's journey to the IPL stage is a testament to her prowess in the auctioneering realm. Her previous role as the auctioneer for the Pro-Kabaddi League in 2021 further solidifies her standing as a trailblazer in the field.

The IPL 2024 auction is set to make history itself, being the first instance of the IPL auction occurring outside India. Dubai will play host to the mini-auction on December 19 at the Coco-Cola Arena. A total of 333 players, comprising 214 Indian players and 119 overseas cricketers, will be up for bidding, with 23 players carrying the highest base price of Rs. 2 crore and 13 players listed at Rs. 1.5 crore.

For eager fans, the IPL 2024 Auction is scheduled to commence at 1:00 PM IST and will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network. English and regional channels of Star Sports will provide coverage, while live streaming is exclusively available on the Jio Cinema App or jiocinema.com.

A pre-show will be aired by Star Sports and Jio Cinema from 12:30 PM IST in anticipation of the auction, allowing fans to witness Mallika Sagar's historic moment as she takes the reins from her predecessors Hugh Edmeades, Richard Madley, and Charu Sharma.