'I will be surprised if the 20 Crore barrier is not broken this year' - Auctioneer Hugh Edmeades ahead of the 2022 IPL mega auction

The 2022 IPL mega auction will be held on 12th and 13th February 2022 in the city of Bangalore. And, ahead of the IPL auction, the IPL Auctioneer, Hugh Edmeades made a massive prediction.

Edmeades said that with each IPL franchise allowed a purse of INR 90 Crore, the individual prices of all the players will also increase in the auction this year.

Edmeades also said that even though he does not have an exact amount in mind, the IPL auctioneer added that he will not be surprised if any player crossed the 20-Crore barrier this year.

“With each franchise being given an increased purse of Rs 90 crore, it is likely that individual prices will also increase. I don’t have a specific figure in mind, but I would be surprised if the Rs 20 crore barrier is not broken this year,” said Edmeades in a chat with InsideSport.

I have conducted plenty of two-day auctions: Hugh Edmeades

Hugh Edmeades also added that during his four-decade career as an auctioneer, he has conducted a lot of two-day auctions, but has not conducted one that could last for 12 hours. Adding that he is not fazed by the prospect of being on his feet for 12 hours, Edmeades concluded by stating that he will split the sessions into ‘bite-sized’ pieces and will regroup.

“During my 38 years as an auctioneer, I have taken plenty of two-day auctions, but admittedly, none lasting a potential 12+ hours. However, I am not at all fazed by the prospect of being on my feet for up to six hours each day. Mentally and physically, I will be splitting the sessions into “bite-size pieces” and taking the opportunities to regroup during the breaks in the auction,” concluded Hugh Edmeades.

The 2022 edition of the IPL will be a 10-team affair with two new franchises, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants added to the fray. While Hardik Pandya will lead the Gujarat side, KL Rahul has been appointed as the captain of the Lucknow outfit.