Cricketer-turned-commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu, known for his acid tongue and extemporaneous humour, lambasted the Indian cricket board for not doing enough for the development of the game.

"If they (board officials) showed even 25-30 per cent of the interest they show in developing the game when its election time, Indian cricket could hugely benefit," Sidhu told reporters in Kolkata on Thursday.

He accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India mandarins of "lacking transparency" and not doing much for the game.

"The BCCI is like a chameleon ... always changing colour with the situation," the former Test opener said at the ESPN school quiz prize-distribution ceremony.

On the cold war between the BCCI and the Indian Cricket Players' Association, he said the board should have no problems recognizing the outfit.

"It's only a platform for the players. So there's no harm. Even the boards of Australia and the West Indies have recognized their players' bodies."

He said: "The cricketers must present a united front. Only then will the BCCI recognize them."

He said the ICPA had won half the battle with senior players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid in its ranks.

Sidhu urged the ICPA, formed last October, to "bridge the gap between the players and the board".

He ruled out joining the ICPA. "I'm a commentator and my role in that capacity may be compromised if I became a member," he said.

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 5 Sub: Well said !!! BCCI ?? A piece of crap. Players play cricket & BCCI plays politics. Sidhu, you r da man! Let him speak guys, we probably might ... Posted by Reddi Sub: BCCI Look who's talking! As one who is known to shirk from playing feigning injury against certain opponents, Sidhu lacks the credibility to speak on such ... Posted by sanjeev Sub: Pot calling the kettle? Here is Siddhu, who is reported to be responsible in an altercation resulting in the death of an individual in the late 80's. Got away ... Posted by Ravi Sub: navjot singh's comments i think that mr sidhu is very right although he has passed the comments really blunt in passing the comment but if u look at ... Posted by digvijay Sub: Well said Sidhu "I'm a commentator and my role in that capacity may be compromised if I became a member," You have foreseen practicality. -Inigo Posted by Inigo