Mallika Sagar is all set to make a comeback as the auctioneer for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, scheduled to be held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Here’s everything you need to know about her and what makes this upcoming auction a thrilling event.

Who is Mallika Sagar?

Mallika Sagar isn’t just another auctioneer; she’s a force to reckon with in both the art and sports world. Let’s dive into her journey:

  • Art Connoisseur: Mallika hails from Mumbai and is known for her deep expertise in Modern and Contemporary Indian art. She is a partner with Art India, a renowned consulting firm, and has also played a key role at Pundoles Art Gallery in Mumbai.
  • Trailblazer at Christie’s: Her career took off at the prestigious Christie’s auction house in 2001, where she made history as the first woman of Indian descent to lead auctions. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career.
  • Auctioneer in Sports: Mallika’s talents aren’t limited to the art world. She has also made waves in sports auctions, having led the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) auction in 2021. She’s a familiar face in cricket auctions too, having hosted several editions of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. Notably, in 2023, she became the first Indian to conduct an auction in a major T20 cricket league.
  • Following Legends: Mallika steps into a role previously held by iconic auctioneers like Richard Madley and Hugh Edmeades, making her a significant part of the IPL legacy.

What to Expect from the IPL 2025 Mega Auction

The upcoming auction is gearing up to be one of the most exciting in IPL history, as all 10 franchises are looking to either rebuild or strengthen their squads for the future. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Player Pool and Slots: A whopping 1574 players will be available for the auction, with 204 slots up for grabs across all teams.
  • Total Budget: The combined purse for this year’s auction is set at INR 641.5 crores, giving franchises a huge budget to play with as they bid for the best talents.
  • Retentions and Big Names: Only 46 players have been retained, leaving many top stars up for bidding. This includes big names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Ishan Kishan, making the auction pool highly competitive.
  • Biggest Purse: The Punjab Kings head into the auction with the largest budget of INR 110.5 crores, putting them in a strong position to make key signings and potentially dominate the auction.

The Drama and Strategy Ahead

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction promises intense competition, with many top players unretained and up for grabs. Franchises with larger budgets will be on the lookout for marquee players, while those with smaller purses will need to be strategic in their bidding to build a balanced squad.

Mallika Sagar’s return as the auctioneer adds an extra layer of excitement. Her experience and charisma are expected to bring energy and flair to the proceedings, making it a must-watch event for cricket fans across India.

As we gear up for the auction in Jeddah, all eyes will be on the franchises and the big moves they make to secure the best talents for the upcoming IPL seasons.