Kolkata, May 29: Cricketer-turned television commentator Navjot Singh Siddhu today ripped apart the Indian cricket board for its "lack of transparency" and failure to put in place top class infrastructure. "The board administration should be transparent. In fact, if the board officials display even 25 per cent of the enthusiasm they show during BCCI elections for development of the game, Indian cricket will go places," Siddhu said.

"If our cricketers do well, the Board takes the credit. Similarly, it must own up responsibility when we lose matches".

He said though India's basic problem in one-dayers was the absence of a quality all-rounder, in the longer variation of the game "our cricket infrastructure was not congenial to producing great cricketers".

"Our board has truckloads of money. It is the richest sports body in the world. But despite that, where does Indian cricket stand now?"

But the former batsman said he would not join the Indian Cricket Players Association (ICPA) despite supporting its cause.

"I will never be a part of the association as I'm a commentator. Because then I will be biased to certain players," Sidhu said on the sidelines of a function organised by ESPN-Star Sports here.

Welcoming the setting up of the ICPA, Sidhu said the BCCI should follow the examples of the boards in West Indies and Australia and recognise the association.

"The ICPA should strive to unite the players. If the players stand united, the board will be forced to recognise the association," he added.

Bureau Report