India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly stood by Abhijeet Kale, who is at the centre of an alleged bribery scandal, saying it is important to establish the truth before passing judgment.
Expressing shock over the allegation that Kale offered money to two Indian selectors to gain a place in the India 'A' squad, Ganguly said it is difficult for him to believe the player's involvement since he knows him for a long time.
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"It is difficult for me to make a statement on that [the bribery allegation] at this time. I am not too sure that a person like Kale could do such a thing," Ganguly told a press conference before the Indian team's departure for Australia on Friday.
"I have known Kale for a long time. I will have to wait and see. I still do not believe in it," Ganguly said.
"Anything could come out in the media, be it television or newspapers. Anybody could pass a statement on somebody. How far it is true is important.
"I do not think a mere allegation should have a problem [for Kale] unless it is an established fact," the Indian skipper said.
The 30-year-old Kale, who played one One-Day International against Bangladesh this year and is a prolific scorer in the domestic circuit, is alleged to have offered Rs one million each to two selectors for a place in the India 'A' side which is to play against Sri Lanka 'A' in a three-Test series starting on Sunday.
Kale denied the charge as baseless and totally false.
