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Mallika Sagar is set to return as the auctioneer for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Know more about achievements.
All you need to know about IPL 2025 auctioneer, Mallika Sagar. (Image: Sportzpics)
Mallika Sagar is set to reprise her role as the auctioneer for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction, which will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25.
Who is Mallika Sagar?
Mallika Sagar, a Mumbai-based art collector and consultant specialising in Modern and Contemporary Indian art, is a prominent figure in the world of auctions. She is a partner at Art India Consultants and has extensive experience conducting auctions with Pundoles, a renowned Mumbai-based art gallery.
Beyond the art world, Mallika has made her mark in sports-related auctions as well. She oversaw the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) players’ auction in 2021 and has conducted multiple editions of the Women’s Premier League auctions. Her career began at Christie’s in 2001, where she made history as the first woman auctioneer of Indian origin.
In 2023, Mallika achieved another milestone by becoming the first Indian individual to lead an auction for an Indian T20 league. Over the years, auctioneers like Richard Madley and Hugh Edmeades have been familiar faces at IPL auctions, but Mallika has cemented her place in this prestigious arena.
What to Expect from the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction will be a critical event for the 10 franchises, offering them a chance to rebuild or strengthen their squads for the upcoming seasons. A total of 46 players have been retained across all teams, leaving 204 slots to be filled during the auction.
One of the most discussed aspects of this event is the availability of numerous high-profile players who were not retained by their franchises. These include stars like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and several other Indian and international cricketers, all of whom are likely to attract intense bidding wars.
The total purse available for the franchises stands at a staggering ₹641.5 crore, with 1,574 players in the auction pool. Among the franchises, the Punjab Kings hold the largest purse at ₹110.5 crore, positioning them as potential power players in the auction.
Teams that have invested heavily in retaining their core squads will face the challenge of managing a smaller budget. These franchises will need to be strategic, seeking value-for-money players to strengthen their rosters without overspending. With careful planning, every franchise will aim to emerge from the auction with a stronger and more balanced squad for the upcoming IPL season.
