Pakistan’s former cricketer Tanvir Ahmed, in a Youtube video on Monday, criticised the attitude of the fans in India who do not appreciate the performances of the touring side after the hard-fought first One-Day International between the West Indies and India in Chennai.

The former fast-bowler praised the level of competition in the match but rued the absence of support for the athletes of the opposite side.

“Yesterday’s match between India and West Indies was very enjoyable. The whole world knows that the people of India love and support cricket a lot. They support their team a lot. But I have frequently seen in matches that India play that when the other team is performing well, the crowds never support the other team,” said Tanvir.

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Tanvir claimed that the West Indies onslaught was met with silence and stated that the efforts of the touring side needed to be appreciated.  

“The crowd goes completely silent when the other team’s players are playing well. It is great to see them supporting their team but they should also appreciate the performances of the touring side,” he said.

The 40-year-old praised the West Indies’ decision to field first and claimed that the team had finally started producing players for the One-Day International (ODI) format.

“Pollards decision to field first was an excellent decision. Batting second and chasing gives you a big advantage on Indian pitches. Top order wickets would have given the West Indies a lot of confidence,” he said. “West Indies are a great side in the short format. They usually struggle in the ODI and Test formats. The match against India however proves that they have now started producing players that can thrive in the ODI format as well.”

Tanvir expressed hope that the series would continue producing the same level of intensity while urging fans in India to cheer for both sides.

“The first game was great. Both West Indies and India look fired up. I expect the next game to be just as interesting. I would however like to request the Indian fans to appreciate the other team as well because that could boost their confidence and lead to a quality contest,” he concluded.