The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2019 will witness the new gavel master at the helm for the first time in IPL history, as Richard Madley is no more part of the event, as he would not conduct the auction that will take place on December 18 in Jaipur.
Madley, who has been the auctioneer for IPL since the inauguration of the T20 event in 2008, will be replaced by Hugh Edmeades, who has the experience of more than 30 years in the field and is also an independent fine art, classic car, and charity auctioneer, at the helm of affairs.
The latest devolvement has been confirmed by the IPL officials on their website on Wednesday (December 5) that Edmeades will take over Madley as new gavel master for the IPL Auction 2019.
Taking to Twitter, Richard expressed his disappointment for not being able to be part of the upcoming auction with unspecified reasons. He also thanked his fans for their love and support over the years.
His post reads, “Sorry not to be conducting #IPL2019 auction. It’s been an honor and a privilege to have been part of #IPL from the start. Will miss my many friends and followers in #India and beyond. Thank you for the welcome you have always shown. The Hammerman.”
Following the latest announcement by Madley, who has made the fans in the country with his unique way of conducting the auctions, his fans poured in the messages for him on the social media.
Madley thanked the fans for the outpouring of the support and clarified that it was not his decision and the BCCI didn't invite him this time.
He tweeted, "Thank you ???? for your kind wishes following the news that I am to be replaced as the #IPL auctioneer. To be clear - this was not my decision. I was not invited to conduct #IPL auction by @BCCI. In cricket terms I have been dropped"
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fan page also replied to Madley’s tweet by reminding him one of his old famous comment regarding selling MS Dhoni in the inaugural auction of the IPL and thanked him for all the memories and Madley also replied to it by saying that is still the highlight of his career.
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Fans also reacted to the news of Madley being replaced:
