Saturday, 28 December 2024
Saturday, 28 December 2024
Cricket auctions have long been dominated by men—a space where power dynamics and high-stakes decisions often reflect the sport’s traditional hierarchies. Enter Mallika Sagar, a pioneer who shattered this stereotype by becoming the first female auctioneer in IPL history in 2024. With her poised demeanour and commanding presence, she has redefined the role.
She’s back to lead the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, further cementing her place in cricket’s evolving story.
Raised in a Mumbai business family, Mallika pursued her passion for art history at Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia. Her career began at the prestigious Christie’s auction house in New York, where she became the first Indian woman auctioneer to oversee international art sales. This unique background of managing multi-million-dollar art deals paved her way to become a leader in sports auctions.
Her first step into sports auctioneering came with the Pro Kabaddi League in 2021, where she led the auction. The cricket world took notice of her skills during the Women’s Premier League auction in 2023, where her composed yet authoritative style drew widespread praise. These accomplishments proved that Mallika could handle the high-pressure environment of live auctions in India’s most popular sports.
In 2024 Mallika became the first woman to conduct an IPL auction. Managing multi-crore bids in a room dominated by celebrity franchise owners, coaches, and analysts, she demonstrated her expertise in orchestrating high-stakes deals is unparalleled. Her presence underscored the growing inclusivity in cricket’s off-field operations.
The stage shifts to Jeddah this year, where Mallika will preside over the mega auction, managing bids for 574 players over two days. With ₹641.5 crores in the collective team purse, including Punjab Kings’ commanding ₹110.5 crores, the stakes are high. Mallika’s ability to maintain decorum and precision will be critical in ensuring the success of the league’s most ambitious auction yet.
Mallika Sagar’s return to the IPL auction isn’t just about breaking records. Her journey from Mumbai’s business circles to global auction stages, and now to cricket’s biggest platform, reflects a bold new direction for the sport. As the final gavel drops in Jeddah, Mallika will once again demonstrate why she’s more than just an auctioneer—she’s an inspiring change in the cricketing world.
