The Hindu Business Line : Will fans be able to catch the Australian series on TV?

THE million-dollar question is whether or not the Indian cricket fan will be able to enjoy the on-field action when Australia takes on India during its tour beginning October 6.

With Zee Telefilms approaching the Supreme Court challenging the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) decision of cancelling the earlier tender, the fate of the telecast of these matches hangs in balance.

The cricket board has also proposed hiving off the next three series separately (Australia in October, South Africa in November and Pakistan in March ) and offering fresh tenders for cricket rights four years from May 2005 till 2009.

But, according to Zee officials, the board may not be in a position to take a decision independently on the matter since it is now sub-judice.

The board has been considering the option of giving cricket rights to the national broadcaster, Prasar Bharati. BCCI officials, while refusing to comment, said a final decision on the telecast rights would be taken shortly.

"Doordarshan was a strong contender as it is not only a terrestrial channel, but also the public broadcaster. With ESPN and Zee fighting it out, DD would have been a good option. But with the new legal tussle, the board will have to look at all the aspects before taking a decision," said industry sources.

Meanwhile, the BCCI would have to sort out the issue quickly. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has said that telecast of matches is not mandatory, but pictures should be made available to the third umpire.

Cricket Australia, on the other hand, has expressed concern about this and wants the row to be resolved at the earliest.

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