Lalu criticises BCCI for focusing on only a few states

New Delhi, Apr 3 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Yadav today criticised Board of Control for Cricket in India for its 'policy' of ''focusing'' on only a few states in the country.

''Is cricket played only in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kolkata and not in other places?'' he told newspersons after inspecting new 72-seat AC III tier coaches at the New Delhi Railway Station.

Expressing his unhappiness at Mohammad Kaif not being chosen for the World Cup squad, the Bihar Cricket Association's President charged the Board for being biased towards particular states and said it should encourage players coming from all states.

''There are a lot of good players in other states too,'' he said sarcastically.

Talking about Indian team's early exit from the World Cup, he said though winning and losing was part of the game but BCCI should learn a lesson from the debacle and provide more opportunities to the youngsters.

UNI