When the IPL 2026 auction gets underway on Tuesday, December 16, Mallika Sagar will once again command the room with her calm authority and unmistakable presence. For fans and franchise officials alike, her role has become an integral part of the modern IPL auction experience. Yet, behind the composed demeanour lies a journey that is as unconventional as it is trailblazing.
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An Unlikely Spark That Shaped a Career
Born in Mumbai in 1975, Sagar grew up in a business-oriented family, but her path into auctioneering began in an unexpected way. A book featuring a female auctioneer as its central character sparked her curiosity and planted the seeds for a career few women in India had pursued at the time. That early inspiration would eventually guide her toward a profession that seamlessly blends intellect, confidence and performance.
Academic Roots Across Continents
Sagar’s academic journey took her far beyond India. She studied in Connecticut before earning a degree in Art History from Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia. Her strong academic foundation prepared her for the demanding world of global auctions, where deep subject knowledge and sharp instincts are essential.
Making History in the Global Art World
In 2001, Sagar began her professional career at Sotheby’s London, where she developed extensive expertise in Indian and South Asian art. Her ascent was swift and historic. At just 26, she became Christie’s first Indian woman auctioneer in New York, specialising in modern and contemporary Indian art. This milestone firmly established her credibility on the international auction circuit.
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Returning Home and Expanding Influence
After years of global experience, Sagar returned to Mumbai and collaborated closely with respected institutions such as Pundole’s Art Gallery. Her success in India’s art ecosystem further strengthened her reputation, laying the foundation for her eventual transition into sports auctions.
Breaking Barriers in Sports Auctions
A major breakthrough came in 2021 when Sagar was appointed the first female auctioneer in the Pro Kabaddi League, shattering another glass ceiling in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Her clarity, precision and authoritative style quickly earned widespread recognition.
From WPL to the IPL Spotlight
In 2023, Sagar conducted the inaugural Women’s Premier League auction, a defining moment that highlighted her growing influence in Indian sport. She went on to oversee the IPL 2024 mini-auction and the high-profile IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia — events that placed her at the centre of global cricketing attention.
[With TOI inputs]
