Richard Madley was a very familiar face for the long-time IPL fans. Since its inauguration, Madley has served as an auctioneer in every season till the IPL 2018. But this time we will not see him lead that precious hammer and he has felt disappointed in this decision.
Recently, when the number of players’ registration details has been announced for the upcoming IPL 2019 Players Auction, Madley’s news was added in that media release. Many IPL fans are stunned by this news.
While the VIVO IPL 2019 Player Auction will be held in Jaipur on December 18, 2018, Hugh Edmeades, an independent fine art, classic car and charity auctioneer, will play the auctioneer role.
Recently, Medley has revealed that it was the decision of the BCCI combined with IMG and he feels shocked as well as disappointed in that decision.
Madley told Cricketnext, “I’m sad, disappointed and a little bit 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.”
However, Madley’s biggest disappointment is not about that he has been dropped out as an auctioneer. Rather than, he has stunned after knowing that his replacement is a British auctioneer, older than him, while he was expecting a young Indian. Madley feels that the replacement is totally illogical.
Madley added, “I have been told that the BCCI wants to ‘change up’ the auction with a new venue, new timings and I assumed then that they were going to bring in a newer, younger auctioneer. Perhaps an Indian auctioneer, which would be perfectly logical. Therefore I was surprised when my replacement is a British auctioneer, older than me, more grey hairs, heavier! He’s a good friend of mine, I’ve known Hugh for many years. But he’s a first class art auctioneer who has no experience of IPL. Therefore, it is illogical to me to replace me with somebody who is almost my mirror image. That, to me, is the one area that hurts.
“I was thinking that if I was going to be replaced, it would be a seed change in the auction and not a simple substitution without rhyme, reason or logic. Is it fair, equitable or honourable? So naturally I feel somewhat bruised.”
In this November, Madley confirmed his availability but later he was replied that his “services are not required”. He was shocked that there was no explanation or no thanks.
Madley elaborated, “I was in early November if I was available to conduct the auction. I confirmed my availability and heard back from IMG/BCCI two weeks back with a one-line e-mail saying ‘Your services are not required. We have chosen a replacement auctioneer’. No explanation, no thanks for the 11 years of service, and no reason whatsoever. I was shocked.
“They did mention they were considering other auctioneers when they asked me my availability. I confirmed my availability and assumed – wrongly – that they wanted to hire me. I surmise that they had already decided to hire Hugh and were purely going through the motions, and had already decided that they’d axe the hammer man.
“I want to know the reason why. What have I done wrong, or who have I offended, or where have I stepped out of line? For my peace of mind and professional integrity, I need to hear the truth. I quite understand I might never work in India again, but personally and professionally I need to know who these decision makers are, who can influence these matters masquerading under the guise of BCCI, but nobody being big enough to put their hand up and say this was my decision, and this is the reason. If they do that, I would feel much happier.”
Though Madley hasn’t dismissed the chances to return in the future IPL auctions, he has felt that the BCCI has already done enough damage.
Madley said, “Never say never is my motto. I have been proud and honoured to come to India and conduct the IPL auction. It’s part of my DNA. 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 and 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.”
Talking about the process of IPL Auction, the dedicated Madley claimed that it’s more than just selling players.
Explaining it, Madley said, “It would appear that they are making change for change’s sake. You don’t fiddle with something that isn’t broken. The IPL auction is an extraordinary process, it’s more than just selling players. It’s a great launchpad for the tournament which usually starts six weeks later. Alter it at your risk. It’s inconceivable to me why they would want to do it. Why remove a key player in your team who has given 11 years service and still has some life left? The IPL auction process is highly transparent. I am asking for that same transparency.”
