After collapsing mid-way through the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 auction, auctioneer Hugh Edmeades was temporarily replaced by sports commentator Charu Sharma. 

Sharma is an anchor, quiz host, and director of Pro Kabaddi League. He served as the CEO of the Royal Challengers Bangalore cricket team during the 2008 IPL, but was sacked by United Breweries Limited due to the team’s underperformance. 

While officials stated that Sharma resigned due to one’s own accord, the CEO revealed being laid-off by the United Breweries Limited on behalf of Vijay Mallya, the team’s owner. 

In an old interview with The Economic Times, Sharma had stated, “I think I worked very hard for it, probably the hardest ever. Few matches were lost earlier and so heads were lost too. I like to believe that I was in the line of the steam of a pressure cooker that was waiting to release.”

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Born in Jaipur, the sports presenter rose to prominence during his cricket compering with actor and presenter Mandira Bedi. He has hosted an array of award shows, seminars, and corporate events. 

Sharma pursued his education from Mount Holyoke College, United States. 

According to Free Press Journal, Sharma’s father was the former vice-principal of Mayo College, Ajmer. 

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The sports commentator recently substituted for auctioneer Hugh Edmeades at the IPL 2022 auction after the latter collapsed due to orthostatic hypotension. 

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A statement released by the official Twitter handle of IPL read, “Mr. Hugh Edmeades, the IPL Auctioneer, had an unfortunate fall due to Postural Hypotension during the IPL auction this afternoon. The medical team attended to him immediately after the incident & he is stable. Mr. Charu Sharma will continue with the Auction proceedings today.”

The incident took place during the bidding process of Sri Lankan cricketer, Wanindu Hasaranga.

Edmeades was attended by medical professionals and is currently under medical supervision. 

After his collapse, the mega auction was resumed at 3:30 pm IST after a brief lunch break.