This is someone’s future in my hands’ – Mallika Sagar talks about being auctioneer for the inaugural edition of Women’s 20-20 League

The Women’s T20 League auction was slated to take place in Mumbai on Monday, February 13, 2023. 409 cricketers were auctioned off after 1525 people registered up for the first-ever five-team league. The 409 women cricketers were divided between 246 Indians and 163 foreigners, eight of whom were from associate nations. There were 202 overall players who were capped, 199 players who were uncapped, and 8 players from associate nations. 

A total of 87 players were sold for Rs 59.5 crore at the first-ever Women’s T20 league auction, which was overseen by the expert auctioneer in modern and contemporary Indian art. Mallika Sagar who is a professional auctioneer was part of history as she auctioned the players for the league. She accepted the fact that it was clearly distinct from her typical auctions. 

Mallika Sagar, while speaking to midday, spoke about the fact of how her art auctions were so different from player auctions. She said, “The Women’s T20 League is a lot more personal. This is someone*s future in your hands.”

She further spoke about how the Women’s T20 league auction was a lot personal to the women cricketers. She said, “They were watching the live TV broadcast of the auction as they each got chosen by their new teams. Their cheers for each other were heartwarming, everyone rooting for the other, happy for each other*s successes, regardless of their individual results. Such camaraderie is wonderful to see.”

Mallika then spoke about how it was important for her to prepare for the auction as it was her first time doing a player auction. She said, “It doesn’t matter what the category… in order to present what you are selling in the best possible manner and achieve the strongest possible result, solid preparation, understanding the material and the market, and research, is key.”

She then concluded by talking about the praise she received after the auction. She said, “A good auctioneer should engage with the audience and be able to generate a palpable energy in the room that will create momentum for the evening. Auctions unfold in real time, so you must be prepared for anything, and the ability to withstand the pressure of what may happen, gracefully”