When the WPL 2026 auction kicks off next year, the gavel won’t be in the hands of a seasoned sports executive or a former cricketer — it’ll be in the grip of Mallika Sagar, an art studies graduate who once negotiated prices for contemporary Indian paintings in London galleries. Her appointment as the official auctioneer for the WPL 2026 auction — the first mega auction in the league’s history — isn’t just a career pivot. It’s a cultural reset. For the first time, a woman with no background in cricket administration is steering the financial future of India’s most high-profile women’s sports league, orchestrated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Mumbai.
A New Kind of Authority
It’s rare to see someone leap from the hushed corridors of art auctions to the roaring energy of a cricket franchise bidding war. But that’s exactly what Sagar did. According to The Bridge and The Economic Times, both of which broke the news simultaneously on November 27, 2025, Sagar’s rise wasn’t accidental. Her discipline, calm under pressure, and uncanny ability to read room dynamics — honed over years of selling $50,000 canvases to private collectors — translated seamlessly to the cricket auction floor.
"From her beginnings in global art markets to becoming the face of the WPL 2026 auction, her rise is a masterclass in versatility, discipline," wrote The Bridge. That phrase, repeated verbatim, isn’t fluff. It’s the core of why she was chosen. While other auctioneers rely on volume and speed, Sagar controls silence. She lets bids breathe. She pauses just long enough to make buyers second-guess — then moves on with quiet authority. That’s not taught in business schools. It’s learned in rooms where art collectors hold their breath before raising a paddle.
Why This Matters for Women’s Cricket
The WPL 2026 auction isn’t just about buying players. It’s about validating women’s cricket as a commercial force. Launched in 2023, the league has already shattered viewership records. But until now, its administrative backbone — including player auctions — has been dominated by men. Sagar’s appointment shatters that mold. She’s not a token figure. She’s the most powerful voice in India’s sports auctions, as The Bridge explicitly called her. And that title? It’s earned.
Think about it: in a country where women’s sports still fight for airtime, here’s a woman — not a former captain, not a former administrator — holding the keys to the purse strings of the entire league. She’ll decide, through her rhythm and tone, which players command ₹1.2 crore and which go unsold. Her voice will echo across stadiums, living rooms, and coaching centers from Chennai to Srinagar. That’s symbolic power. That’s structural change.
From Canvases to Cricket Bats
What do art auctions and cricket auctions have in common? Both are high-stakes performances where perception shapes value. A painting by Bhupen Khakhar doesn’t just cost money — it carries cultural weight. Similarly, a player like Harmanpreet Kaur isn’t just a batter; she’s a franchise’s identity. Sagar understands that. She doesn’t just call bids. She tells stories — through silence, through pacing, through the weight of a single nod.
Her background in global art markets — likely involving Christie’s or Sotheby’s-affiliated clients — gave her exposure to international bidding rituals, multi-currency transactions, and the psychology of elite buyers. Those skills are transferable. In fact, they’re superior. While traditional sports auctioneers focus on speed, Sagar focuses on precision. She knows when to let a bid hang — and when to cut it short. That’s why the BCCI, reportedly after reviewing dozens of candidates, chose her.
What’s Next for the WPL?
The WPL 2026 auction will be the first true mega-auction in the league’s short history. The inaugural 2023 draft was a modest affair — only 118 players picked, with a total spend under ₹100 crore. This time, with five franchises expanding their squads and new investors entering the fray, the budget could exceed ₹300 crore. The venue? Still unconfirmed. The date? Likely February or March 2026. But the stakes? Higher than ever.
Sagar’s performance will set a precedent. If she succeeds, expect more women to lead major sports auctions across India — in kabaddi, football, even badminton. If she falters? Critics will say it was a gamble. But given her track record, that’s unlikely. She doesn’t just auction players. She auctions possibility.
Who Is Mallika Sagar, Really?
Here’s what we know: she’s Indian. She studied art. She worked internationally. She has no public social media presence. She doesn’t give interviews. That’s intentional. Her power lies in her quietness. Unlike celebrity auctioneers who thrive on charisma, Sagar thrives on control. She doesn’t need to be loud to be heard. And in a league built on breaking stereotypes, that’s the most powerful statement of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mallika Sagar transition from art to sports auctions?
Sagar’s transition wasn’t sudden — it was built on transferable skills. Her years in global art markets taught her how to read bidder psychology, manage high-pressure environments, and maintain composure during volatile bidding. These are identical traits needed in sports auctions, where emotions run high and financial stakes are massive. Unlike traditional auctioneers trained in sports, she brought an outsider’s precision — and the BCCI noticed.
Why is this appointment historic for women’s cricket in India?
For the first time, a woman with no prior sports administration background is leading the financial backbone of India’s top women’s cricket league. While female players have gained visibility, leadership roles in operations and commerce have remained male-dominated. Sagar’s role signals that the BCCI is prioritizing merit over tradition — a landmark shift in how women’s sports are valued beyond the field.
What makes her different from other auctioneers in India?
Most sports auctioneers rely on speed and volume, shouting bids in rapid succession. Sagar uses silence as a tool. She pauses. She lets tension build. She’s been described as "calm under pressure" — a trait honed in art auctions, where a single misstep can cost millions. Her approach is more theatrical, more deliberate — and it works. Teams reportedly preferred her style over seasoned auctioneers with decades of cricket experience.
Will Mallika Sagar auction other leagues after WPL 2026?
It’s highly likely. Her success in WPL 2026 will make her the most sought-after auctioneer in Indian sports. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long used male auctioneers — but with women’s cricket proving commercially viable, the BCCI may soon consider her for IPL or even the upcoming Women’s Hockey League. Her brand isn’t tied to cricket — it’s tied to authority.
Did Mallika Sagar play cricket or have any sports background?
No public records or reports indicate she played cricket or any professional sport. Her entire professional identity is rooted in the art world — specifically in auctioning contemporary Indian and international art. Her appointment is a deliberate move by the BCCI to break from tradition, signaling that expertise in high-stakes commerce matters more than prior sports experience.
What’s the financial scale of the WPL 2026 auction expected to be?
While exact figures aren’t confirmed, sources suggest the total purse could exceed ₹300 crore — nearly triple the ₹110 crore spent in the 2023 draft. With franchises now allowed to retain more players and expand squads to 25, demand for elite all-rounders and overseas stars will spike. Sagar’s role will be critical in balancing competitive equity and financial sustainability across teams.