The on-field rivalry between Shoaib Akhtar and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar is one of the most memorable moments for cricket fans in the two countries.
Both athletes, who were among the greatest in their respective fields, had such a fierce rivalry that they never gave each other an inch on the field, but once the game was done, they treated each other entirely differently, as if they had never been competitors in the first place.
Unlike now, there was a period when India and Pakistan used to play bilateral series on a regular basis, and the players on both sides had a great time competing against one other.
As a fast bowler, Akhtar was always proud of his physique and never missed an occasion to demonstrate his raw strength.
“If there is one country where I have gotten a lot of affection after Pakistan, it is India. My travels to India have left me with many fond recollections. One of the recollections I'd like to share with you is from a 2007 awards ceremony. After the occasion, there was definitely a get-together. I wanted to make something new, as always. So, just for fun, I attempted to lift Sachin Tendulkar.