CRICKET Australia has been accused of instigating the spat with Unwired Pty Ltd over the marketing rights to Brett Lee.
CA began legal action in the Federal Court on Wednesday against Unwired for what it feels has been illegal use of Lee's image to promote its products.
CA believes Unwired, a major provider of wireless broadband, is a direct competitor of Hutchison 3G Australia, which has been a CA major sponsor since 2001.
Unwired, which signed Lee to a one-year contract in June after being given permission by CA on May 13, yesterday maintained its competitors were Telstra and Optus, not mobile phone dealer Hutchison.
While the fast bowler has since asked to be released from his contract, Unwired maintains it has a legally binding agreement and will continue to use Lee's image until the court rules otherwise.
The hearing starts Thursday.
- JON PIEREK