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.

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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.

"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.