Ever since emerging on the international circuit, Shoaib Akhtar quickly instigated the general consensus that he was going to become one of the best in the business. 

If his extreme pace left the opposition batsmen ducking for cover, Akhtar's fiery attitude turned him into one of the most entertaining characters in cricket. The right-arm speedster knew he was the fastest bowler and he made sure others knew it too.

For a man who sprang into action as a natural successor to the legacy of famed Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, Akhtar, contrary to popular perception, eventually ended his career as one of the 'could've beens' in international cricket. 

Despite his impeccable skills with the ball, Akhtar's career was overshadowed by the long list of misdemeanours, bans and hefty fines.

Don of cricket as they called me but never enjoyed hurting people but I must say when I was out there I just  ran in for the love of my country & for the people around the world .. pic.twitter.com/be84Y2yYl5

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) October 7, 2018

Thus, long after his retirement, there was no surprise to see the 'Rawalpindi Express' calling himself the "don of cricket". Taking to Twitter, Akhtar wrote: "Don of cricket as they called me, but never enjoyed hurting people. But, I must say when I was out there I just ran in for the love of my country and for the people around the world".

© Twitter

But, while the former Pakistani seamer was basking in his old glory, Indian cricket fans wasted no time in reminding him of the hammering the great Sachin Tendulkar dished out during the 2003 World Cup game in South Africa. Taking Akhtar to the cleaners, Tendulkar had blasted his way to a 75-ball 98 which paved way for India's six-wicket win over Pakistan.

Here's a look at how Indian fans trolled Akhtar for his 'don of cricket' tweet:

How can you forget this gem from @sachin_rt !!
Smashing you my friend.
You were also winning asia cup this time..ð pic.twitter.com/jyFgga9EXc

— Gautam (@TheMystic19) October 7, 2018

This is not T20 match.
Credit goes to @sachin_rt pic.twitter.com/XQ2BufCC65

— à®à®°à®£à¯à®¯à®¾ (@saranya01998) October 7, 2018

Ye 'don of cricket' ka taufa aapne khud ko diya h?

— ADITYAð (@StarkAditya) October 7, 2018

You remember our sehwag Sachin hitting boundaries in your bowling

— Dileep Kumar (@DileepKumar_44) October 8, 2018

Never heard anyone calling Shoaib Akhtar "Don of Cricket" until I heard it from Shoaib Akhtar himself here.

— attentionmagnet (@attentionmagnet) October 8, 2018

Do you remember the six of world cup 2003 ?
Master blaster @sachin_rt was there to hit it out of the ground ðªðªðª

— Jalindhar Chavan (@Jalindhar_Srt) October 7, 2018

See this man pic.twitter.com/WaOsdAii3J

— Dileep Kumar (@DileepKumar_44) October 8, 2018