The opening day of the two-part IPL 2022 mega auction saw a shocking incident in Bangalore, where auctioneer Hugh Edmeades fell from the dais in the middle of his duties.
Edmeades collapsed from the stage unconscious during the bidding war for Sri Lankan allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga as the auction was immediately suspended.
The BCCI and the tournament’s governing council called for a halt on the proceedings, announcing a lunch break to ensure that Edmeades gets the much-needed medical attention.
The incident left everyone present inside the room shocked, with the millions of fans, who were glued to the auction telecast, extremely worried for the auctioneer’s health.
They also called out an insensitive approach to the matter from host broadcaster Star Sports. Star didn’t properly acknowledge the health issue and went on with their auction analysis without taking a due break.
Star anchor Suhail Chandhok kept with the assessment of franchises’ picks with guests and experts Sanjay Manjrekar and Aakash Chopra, as the important matter of Edmeades’ health wasn’t given the level of attention as fans expected it to get. Neither did Star opt for a break during that passage.
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Positive news on Edmeades’ arrived soon as reports did the rounds that he is “stable” after getting critical attention from the medical staff available for help. Initially, an IPL representative also said that when the auction resumes at IST 3:30 PM, Edmeades will be seen continuing with his duties.
However, in a clearer update, it emerged that while doing better, Edmeades won’t be overseeing the remaining bids for the opening day and will remain under medical supervision. In Edmeades’ position, experienced broadcaster Charu Sharma will be the interim auctioneer for the day in Bangalore.
“What we understand is that he is stable. We have not been told whether he will conduct the auction or not. We’re waiting to hear from the BCCI. After collapsing he managed to stand up and we were told he was perfectly responding,”
Cricbuzz quoted a franchise representative as saying, confirming that Edmeades is with the paramedics.
