Who is Mallika Sagar? First Woman Auctioneer To Host IPL Auction 2024 LIVE

In the history of the Indian Premier League, it will be the first time when a woman auctioneer will host the IPL Auction 2024. Mallika Sagar will host the auction process in Dubai's Coca-Cola arena on December 1, Tuesday, 1 pm onwards. She will replace Hugh Edmeades. With Sagar's appointment, the cash-rich league will break the traditional male-dominant role of auctioneering for the league.

Before getting the job for IPL Auction 2024, Mallika Sagar hosted auctions for the Pro Kabaddi League. Richard Madley, Charu Sharma, and Hugh Edmeades were the other shortlisted names to conduct the bidding by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

In an unfortunate incident during the IPL 2022 auction, Hugh Edmeades unexpectedly collapsed while hosting the process, after which, the bidding was halted for some time and later Indian commentator Charu Sharma took over to continue to the auction.

According to an official statement of the IPL, "Out of 333 players, 214 are Indians and 119 are overseas players of which two are from associate nations. The total number of capped players is 116, uncapped players are 215, and 2 are from associate nations. A maximum of 77 slots are now available with up to 30 being slotted for overseas players."

WHo is Mallika Sagar?

Indian auctioneer Mallika Sagar recently conducted the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024 auction and now is all set to break the tradition in the men's cricket format. The 48-year-old brings almost 25 years of experience in auctions. She has served at Mumbai's famous Pundole's Art Galleries, Women's Premier League, and Pro Kabbadi League before IPL Auction 2024.