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.