Call it a slip of the tongue or over enthusiasm. Madhya Pradesh Congress media coordinator Pramod Gugaliya has created a flutter in the party circles throughout the country on Saturday.
In the morning, Gugaliya told mediapersons that the programme of Sachin’s visit has been finalised and added that he would remain in the State for three days to address election meetings in nine constituencies. He had also claimed that Sachin has given consent for electioneering in the State.
Gugaliya had not given a thought that the news would be so important that it would be aired on national news channels, but within minutes, the news was aired and the BCCI officials in Mumbai got puzzled.
Factually, Sachin has announced to retire from international cricket after playing his 200th test match. As per schedule, he has to play test series against West Indies. The first match is from November 6 to 10, while the second match will be in Mumbai from November 14 to 18.
Sources said the BCCI officials called up NCP chief Sharad Pawar, who subsequently talked to Sachin on mobile phone. The cricketer, who was in Haryana in the afternoon, denied about his campaigning for the Congress and told that he would not canvass in the elections.