For the first time the auction of the Indian Premier League will not be conducted by Richard Madley. The Wales-based auctioneer was at the helm of things in the auction since the inaugural show in 2008. He will be replaced by Hugh Edmeades. Ever since the BCCI made the news public, the fans have expressed their disappointment over internet. At the same time, they have also shown curiosity to know more about the man who will replace Madley.
Also Read – Highest Individual Score in IPL
Well, Hugh Edmeades’ Linkedin profile reads ‘International Fine Art, Classic Car & Charity Auctioneer’. He has over 30 years of experience in auctioning. According to Christie’s website, Hugh Edmeades, also the company’s former International Director of Auctioneering, is responsible for over pound (£) 2.2 billion in sales at the world’s biggest auction house.
The 60-year old had made his debut in August 1984. So far, he is responsible for more than 2,300 auctions. He has also presided over esteemed sales including the auction at the gala dinner to mark late Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday. But in 2016, he left his job at Christie’s to become an independent freelance auctioneer. He has, however, retained his title of international auctioneer for Christie’s.
Read More – Best Batting Strike Rate in IPL
Meanwhile, Madley has expressed his disappointment over being removed as the auctioneer. He said that he was expecting an Indian to replace him. However, seeing Hugh Edmeades replace him left him disappointed.
“Perhaps an Indian auctioneer, which would be perfectly logical. Therefore I was surprised when my replacement is a British auctioneer, older than me, more grey hairs, heavier,” Madley told CricketNext.
At the same time, Madley praised Hugh Edmeades while also expressing his disappointment once again.
“But he is a first class art auctioneer who has no experience of IPL. Therefore, it is illogical to me to replace me with somebody who is almost my mirror image. That, to me, is the one area that hurts”
Meanwhile, the IPL 2019 auction will be held in Jaipur on December 18. A total of 346 players will go under the hammer for the 70 available slots.
Also Read – Best Batting Strike Innings in IPL