Fast bowler Brett Lee is at the centre of a legal conflict between rival sponsors after Cricket Australia yesterday started Federal Court proceedings aimed at stopping a wireless internet company from using Lee's image.
Players contracted to Cricket Australia are prohibited from striking up sponsorships with companies that compete with Cricket Australia's major sponsors, and the governing body considers Unwired Australia a direct competitor of Hutchison 3G Australia.
It is understood Lee no longer has an agreement with Unwired, having withdrawn from the sponsorship several weeks ago.
But the wireless broadband network continues to use Lee's image, with the blond paceman flashing across its website holding a cricket ball.
Neither Cricket Australia nor Lee's manager, Neil Maxwell, could comment because the matter was before the courts.
A Cricket Australia statement said it sought "to restrain Unwired Australia Pty Ltd from continuing to use the attributes of Brett Lee in its promotional activities".
Shane Warne and Cameron White will fly to Mumbai today ahead of the rest of the Test squad's arrival, as Australian chairman Bob Merriman hoped for a last-minute resolution to the television row threatening the tour.
India's cricket board cancelled its tender with Zee TV and said it would initiate fresh bids, and an announcement was last night considered imminent.
Australia remains concerned, citing obligations to tour sponsor Travelex and ICC requirements for a third umpire, and Indian cricket bosses have expressed confidence there will be live coverage.