The upcoming cricket Test series between India and world champions Australia is in danger of being blacked out after a court wrangle over awarding more than $A440 million in television rights turned messy.

The decision by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to award four-year rights for all internationals played in the country to Zee Network was challenged in the Bombay High Court last week by rival ESPN-Star Sports.

The court's proposal to re-bid, which was accepted by ESPN-Star, has been rejected by Zee Network, raising fears of a prolonged legal battle before the issue was settled.

With the high-profile Test series against Australia to begin on October 6, the Indian board says it may have to look elsewhere to ensure the matches are not blacked out.

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