Mallika Sagar: The Story of India’s First Female Sports Auctioneer
In the glittering yet high-pressure world of sports auctions, where every bid can change the destiny of athletes and franchises, one name has emerged as a trailblazer—Mallika Sagar. Known for her poise, clarity, and authority on the auction stage, Mallika is not just an auctioneer; she is a symbol of change in Indian sports. Her rise from the art world to becoming the face of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) auctions is a fascinating journey of reinvention, courage, and inspiration.
This is the story of Mallika Sagar—the woman who broke stereotypes and brought grace to the high-stakes environment of Indian sports auctions.
Mallika Sagar will be the first female auctioneer to wield the gavel at the IPL 2024 sale. Mumbai (India) – Mallika Sagar first became interested in auctioneering as a youngster in her birthplace of Mumbai, when she read a book about a female auctioneer. “And, perhaps a little frivolously, I thought, ‘That’s what I want to be,'” she chuckles. After three decades, Sagar finds herself at the wheel of history.
She is expected to become the first female auctioneer at the wealthiest franchise cricket league in the world when she hits the stage at the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) 2024 sale in Dubai on Tuesday, following a successful 23-year career in art auctioneering.
During the daylong tournament, more than 300 cricketers will be put under the hammer, bucking a pattern that has seen only males – Welshman Richard Madley, Briton Hugh Edmeades, and India’s Charu Sharma – headline the event.
“It’s extremely exciting to be asked to conduct an IPL auction,” Sagar told Al Jazeera last week during an hour-long interview at her Mumbai office.
Sagar was born into a business family in Mumbai, India’s capital, and has remained there since her return from the United States, where she earned a degree in art history.
She has long been a trailblazer on the global art auctioneering circuit, now specialising in modern art and working as an auctioneer for a privately held Mumbai auction house. She became the first female auctioneer of Indian descent at Christie’s, the multinational art and luxury firm, in 2001.
Early Life and Background
Mallika Sagar was born and raised in Mumbai, a city that thrives on culture, ambition, and opportunity. Growing up in a supportive family, she developed an early curiosity about art, communication, and performance. Unlike many who follow conventional paths, Mallika was drawn toward fields that celebrated creativity and intellect.
Her love for art and culture led her abroad for higher education. She enrolled at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, USA, one of the most prestigious women’s liberal arts colleges in the world. There, she pursued a degree in History of Art, which not only deepened her understanding of aesthetics but also sharpened her analytical and presentation skills.
The seeds of her future career were unknowingly being sown—her ability to engage audiences, command attention, and maintain composure in front of large groups would later define her as an auctioneer.
Journey into the Art World
After completing her studies, Mallika entered the art world. She trained as an art auctioneer and joined Christie’s, one of the world’s most renowned art auction houses. At Christie’s, Mallika honed her craft in handling high-value auctions where millions of dollars were at stake.
An art auctioneer must not only present and sell pieces but also connect with an elite audience of collectors, curators, and investors. Mallika developed a reputation for her elegance, precision, and professionalism. She brought energy to the auction stage while maintaining the composure needed to manage intense bidding wars.
Her years in the art world gave her confidence in conducting live auctions with grace. She mastered the nuances of auctioneering—timing, clarity of speech, quick thinking, and the ability to maintain control in a room buzzing with excitement.
Transition from Art to Sports
Mallika’s entry into the world of sports was almost unexpected. In 2021, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was searching for a fresh and dynamic face to lead their auctions. Traditionally, sports auctions in India were dominated by male auctioneers, but the organizers wanted someone who could bring a new perspective and command authority.
Mallika was chosen, and with that decision, she made history as the first female auctioneer in Indian sports.
Her debut in the Pro Kabaddi League auctions was a turning point. Fans and franchises were initially curious about how an art auctioneer would handle a sports auction. But as the proceedings unfolded, Mallika impressed everyone with her clarity, confidence, and ability to manage tense moments.
The Breakthrough with the Women’s Premier League
In 2023, Mallika’s career reached new heights when she was appointed as the auctioneer for the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction. This was a landmark event for Indian cricket, as it marked the beginning of a franchise-based women’s T20 tournament that mirrored the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Millions of fans watched the event live as Mallika took center stage. For her, it wasn’t just about calling bids—it was about making history. She became the face of the WPL’s first-ever player auction, and the symbolism was powerful: a woman auctioneer leading a women’s cricket league auction in a sport long dominated by men.
Mallika handled the auction with remarkable grace, ensuring smooth proceedings despite the pressure of a historic moment. Her composed voice, sharp command over the rules, and professional demeanor made the event a resounding success.
She returned in 2024 to conduct the WPL auction again, further cementing her place as the trusted face of Indian sports auctions.
Style and Presence as an Auctioneer
Auctioneering is not merely about calling numbers. It is an art that requires a unique blend of confidence, quick decision-making, communication, and control.
Mallika Sagar’s style stands out for several reasons:
- Clarity in speech: She ensures every bid is announced with precision.
- Composure under pressure: Even in intense bidding wars, she maintains calm authority.
- Neutral presence: She commands respect while not letting personal bias affect proceedings.
- Symbolic representation: As a woman, her presence on stage itself challenges stereotypes in Indian sports.
Her performance has won praise not only from franchises and players but also from fans who see her as a refreshing presence in the auction arena.
Challenges She Faced
Like any trailblazer, Mallika faced her share of challenges. Entering a male-dominated sports environment came with its set of doubts and expectations. Social media commentary, constant public scrutiny, and the pressure of handling multimillion-dollar bids could easily overwhelm anyone.
But Mallika rose above the noise. She silenced critics not with words, but with her work. Every successful auction she conducted strengthened her position as a pioneer and a role model.
Beyond Auctions: A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment
Mallika’s journey is more than just a career story—it is a narrative of empowerment. In a country where sports leadership roles have traditionally been male-centric, her rise is a sign of changing times.
The Women’s Premier League itself was designed to promote women’s cricket, and having a woman auctioneer lead the event added another layer of symbolism. It showed the world that women are not just participants but leaders in the sporting ecosystem.
Mallika has become an inspiration for young women who aspire to break barriers, not just in sports but in any field where representation is limited.
Legacy and Future
As of now, Mallika continues to lead sports auctions in India, and her reputation only grows stronger with each event. Her journey from art galleries in London to sports arenas in Mumbai demonstrates her versatility and courage to reinvent herself.
The future looks promising. With the WPL growing in popularity and the PKL continuing to expand, Mallika is likely to remain a key figure in Indian sports for years to come.
But her legacy goes beyond auctions. She will always be remembered as the woman who changed perceptions, who showed that women could lead in high-stakes environments with as much authority as men.
Learning the fundamentals of kabaddi
Mallika Sagar’s first experience with sport auctioneering was during the eighth edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), an Indian men’s professional franchise kabaddi tournament that ranks second only to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in terms of viewership.
Given her extensive experience with art, she confesses that sport auctioneering “was a new world” for her. “It did take a little bit of training, largely to change my approach,” she told me. So, what qualities constitute a good auctioneer? “Depending on what you’re selling, you have to learn the mechanics of the auctioneering process and blend it with maths, theatre and drama – all wrapped up in a smile!”
She claimed the PKL experience prepared her for the cricket auctions. Despite a venture into sports, directing a WPL cricket auction proved to be a different ball game. The size of the operation, as well as the demand to catch the producer’s cue in the ear during live transmission, introduced a new complexity to the task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mallika Sagar?
Mallika Sagar is India’s first female sports auctioneer, known for conducting the Pro Kabaddi League and Women’s Premier League auctions.
What is Mallika Sagar’s background?
She studied History of Art at Bryn Mawr College in the US and started her career as an art auctioneer with Christie’s before transitioning to sports auctions.
When did she start conducting sports auctions?
Mallika made her sports auction debut with the Pro Kabaddi League in 2021.
Why is Mallika Sagar important in Indian sports?
She broke stereotypes by becoming the first woman auctioneer in Indian sports leagues and played a historic role in leading the first Women’s Premier League auction in 2023.
Is she still associated with art auctions?
Yes, Mallika continues to remain connected with the art world while balancing her role in sports auctions.
What makes her style unique?
Her composure, clarity of speech, and ability to handle high-pressure situations set her apart from others.
What does she symbolize for women?
She symbolizes empowerment, representation, and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
