The IPL 2022 mega-auction on Saturday was halted midway after auctioneer Hugh Edmeades collapsed. An early lunch was called and bidding will resume at 3:30 PM IST, broadcasters announced. 

The rest of the auction ceremony will be conducted by commentator Charu Sharma, the IPL confirmed. He was the CEO of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL’s first season. 

Edmeades received medical assistance and he is fine, reports suggest. The incident took place when the teams were bidding for Sri Lanka allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The auctioneer suddenly fell down from the stage. 

Also read: IPL 2022 mega auction: David Warner sold to Delhi Capitals for Rs 6.25 crore

“He has been attended to by a doctor. He is doing fine, his blood pressure dropped suddenly and that was the reason for his sudden collapse. We will know more once he has a thorough check-up,” a BCCI source told PTI.

Edmeades has conducted over 2700 auctions across the globe, primarily of cars including an Aston Martin used in a James Bond film. 

Also read: IPL 2022 mega auction: Gujarat Titans pick Mohammed Shami for Rs 6.25 crore

He was immediately stretchered off for medical attention and it came to light that he had suffered the fall due to low blood pressure.

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer became the highest paid player among the marquee set with Kolkata Knight Riders clinching him for a whopping Rs 12.25 crore. Pacer Harshal Patel, who was IPL’s top wicket-taker last year, enjoyed a fantastic auction as Royal Challengers Bangalore retained him for Rs 10.75 crore.

Also read: IPL 2022 mega auction: Faf du Plessis sold to RCB for Rs 7 cr

Some of the veteran India players like Shikhar Dhawan, bought for Rs 8.25 crore by Punjab Kings, and Mohammed Shami, gone for Rs 6.25 crore to new entrants Gujarat Titans, also enjoyed a good pay day.

Even Ravichandran Ashwin had no reason to complain as he earned a Rs 5 crore deal from Rajasthan Royals.