An unconventional journey blending fine art and sports auctions: Mallika Sagar to take centre stage again at IPL auction

Mallika Sagar has become an integral figure in modern IPL auctions, with her calm authority now familiar to cricket fans. Behind this poised presence is a remarkable and unconventional journey that blends the elite worlds of fine art and professional sports auctions.

Born in Mumbai in 1975, Sagar grew up in a business-oriented family, but her interest in auctioneering was sparked unexpectedly by a book featuring a woman auctioneer. This early inspiration shaped a career path rarely pursued in India. Her academic journey took her from Mumbai to the United States, where she studied art history at Bryn Mawr College after spending time in Connecticut.

Sagar began her professional career at Sotheby’s London in 2001, specialising in Indian and South Asian art. At just 26, she created history by becoming Christie’s first Indian woman auctioneer in New York, gaining international recognition in modern and contemporary Indian art. After returning to Mumbai, she worked with leading institutions such as Pundole’s Art Gallery, strengthening her reputation in the art world.

Her transition to sports auctions proved equally groundbreaking. In 2021, she became the first female auctioneer in the Pro Kabaddi League. She later conducted the inaugural Women’s Premier League auction and went on to lead major IPL and WPL auctions, firmly establishing herself as a trailblazer in Indian sports auctioneering. (With inputs from Agencies)