‘BCCI wants flat tracks, so pitches have no grass, no water’ Nadim Memon

Nadim Memon

Mumbai Cricket Association's Apex Council member and renowned curator Nadim Memon has explained why the ongoing IPL has seen a record 16 run chases of 200-plus totals so far.

"There are clear instructions from the BCCI to their team of curators, who oversee IPL pitches, to ensure the tracks are flat, so that crowds are entertained with sixes and fours and loads of runs. For this reason, most IPL pitches are not watered for a few days and devoid of any grass. Now, April-May being summer season, most pitches are already baked due to the heat, and if you don't water them, the dryness will ensure there is absolutely nothing in it for the bowlers - no turn, no pace," Memon, who is also the Mumbai Schools Sports Association's cricket secretary, tells mid-day on Wednesday.

"These dry pitches are then rolled for long periods using heavy rollers to ensure things slow down further. That's why a batter has ample time to first come onto his front foot and if needed, rock onto his back foot to cut a delivery. On a sporting track, the ball will just skid through on pitching, but not here.

"I remember in the past, we used to have benefit matches for retiring cricketers, mostly batters, and flat tracks were laid out so that fans can enjoy watching their favourite cricketer thrive. IPL matches have become like these benefit matches," adds Memon.

265-4
No. of runs scored by PBKS vs DC last month; the highest successful run chase in T20s