In a historic move, Mallika Sagar is poised to become the first female auctioneer in the illustrious history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Stepping into the role, Sagar will replace the renowned British international auctioneer, Hugh Edmeades, for the IPL 2024 mini-auction scheduled on December 19.
The announcement marks a significant stride forward in diversifying the traditionally male-dominated landscape of auctioneering in the cricketing world. Mallika Sagar, who recently officiated in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024 auction, brings her expertise and experience to the grand stage of the IPL, shattering gender norms along the way.
The decision to appoint Mallika Sagar as the lead auctioneer for IPL 2024 follows an unexpected turn of events during the IPL 2022 auction when Hugh Edmeades collapsed, prompting the swift replacement by Indian commentator and Director of the Pro Kabaddi League, Charu Sharma. Now, Mallika Sagar’s inclusion in the upcoming IPL auction represents a significant milestone in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the cricketing sphere.
The IPL 2024 auction is scheduled to unfold at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, providing the perfect platform for Sagar to make history. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had previously enlisted Richard Madley, Charu Sharma, and Hugh Edmeades to conduct the proceedings for the IPL auction. However, Sagar’s appointment signals a departure from convention, bringing a fresh perspective and breaking the glass ceiling in this traditionally male-dominated aspect of the sport.
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The significance of this move extends beyond the IPL auction, symbolizing a broader push for gender inclusivity and equal representation in cricketing events. As Mallika Sagar takes center stage on December 19, her presence as the lead auctioneer will undoubtedly inspire future generations of women aspiring to carve a niche for themselves in various roles within the cricketing landscape.
In addition to the groundbreaking announcement about Mallika Sagar, the BCCI also disclosed that the trading window for the IPL 2024 will reopen on December 20, a day after the auction. This trading window is set to remain active until February 2024, closing a month before the commencement of the 2024 IPL season.
The mini-auction itself will feature a total of 333 players, including 214 Indian players and 119 overseas players, with 116 capped players, 215 uncapped players, and two players from associate nations. A maximum of 77 slots are available, with up to 30 designated for overseas players, creating an intriguing landscape for team compositions in the upcoming IPL season.