BCCI axed former IPL auctioneer Richard Madley with a one-line email

Ever since the inception of IPL in 2008, British auctioneer Richard Madley had been the face of the auction. In the eleven years of IPL journey, Madley and the auction seemed to inseparable entities. In fact, Richard is more famous as the IPL auctioneer and even his Twitter handle (@iplauctioneer) suggests the same.

However, the former IPL auctioneer and the fans were struck by a hard-hitting reality a few days ago when the BCCI decided to axe him. This familiar voice won’t be heard again when the franchises meet for the 12th season auction on 18 December in Jaipur. With a single-line email, the BCCI has axed him and ended the 11-year association. Also, there wasn’t even any gratitude that was expressed either.

I feel let down and deflated: Richard Madley

Richard Madley will be replaced by Hugh Edmeades as the auctioneer for the upcoming event. In a recent interview, the former auctioneer expressed his disappointment. He didn’t seem to be pleased with how the BCCI dealt with the issue. The Hammerman said that he feels let down and deflated.

“It’s not my decision, it’s the decision of the BCCI combined with IMG. It has come as a bit of a shock to me after 11 unbroken years of conducting the auction and always receiving positive comments and feedback from the franchise owners, administrators, BCCI and my many fans. It has come as a bolt out of the blue – to be released, to use an IPL term – without reason or explanation,” Madley was quoted as saying by Cricketnext.

The BCCI also asked Madley early in November to confirm his availability. However, they mentioned to him then that they were also looking for other options. He further added that he was shocked and demands an explanation from the cricket board.

“The BCCI have said the decision is for one auction. They’ll review it after that. But I feel like a batsman who has made a double century and dropped by the selectors for no reason. However, a good cricketer will put his head down, make more runs in state cricket and get a recall.

Of course, I’m not going to say I’ll never return. But I feel the damage might be done. It might be difficult for the BCCI to eat humble pie and accept this decision was the wrong one, and in doing so, upset what is the greatest auction in the world,” he further mentioned.

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