Abu Dhabi: As the IPL 2026 player auction is set to begin in Abu Dhabi, all eyes will be on Mallika Sagar, who will once again take charge as the auctioneer. Known for her expertise in both fine arts and sports auctions, Sagar has become a central figure in orchestrating high-profile sports auctions in India.
A Historic and Trailblazing Career
Born in Mumbai in 1975, Mallika Sagar has built a career bridging two worlds—fine art and major sports events auctions. Growing up in a business-oriented family, her fascination with auctions was sparked by a book featuring a female auctioneer as the protagonist. This inspiration set her on a path that few in India had ventured before.
Sagar pursued her education from Mumbai to Connecticut, later earning a degree in Art History from Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia. In 2001, she launched her career at Sotheby’s London, gaining deep expertise in Indian and South Asian art. At just 26 years old, she became the first Indian woman auctioneer at Christie’s New York, specializing in modern and contemporary Indian art—a landmark achievement that earned her international recognition in the auction world.
From Art to Sports Auctions
After years of international experience in the art world, Sagar returned to Mumbai, collaborating with renowned institutions such as Pundole Art Gallery. Her success in art auctions paved the way for her entry into sports auctions, where her precision, poise, and command over proceedings became her signature.
- 2021: Became the first female auctioneer in the Pro Kabaddi League
- 2023: Conducted the first female-led IPL auction
- IPL 2024 & 2025: Oversaw the mini-auctions and high-profile mega-auctions, including the one held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Recently: Managed the women’s IPL mega-auction, further cementing her legacy
A Trusted Hand for IPL 2026
Sagar’s calm demeanor, combined with her decades-long experience in art and sports auctions, makes her the ideal choice to manage the IPL 2026 auction. Franchises, players, and fans alike trust her ability to keep the proceedings smooth, transparent, and engaging, ensuring that the auction remains a world-class spectacle.
From fine art galleries to cricket stadiums, Mallika Sagar’s journey is a testament to breaking barriers and redefining norms—making her a trailblazer in both art and sports auctioneering.
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