Tuesday’s invitation to tender by the BCCI comprises global mobile, internet and radio packages, as well as TV rights in certain territories starting this year and running through to 2014. However, the move has been criticised by WSG, which initially secured the global rights to the Twenty20 cricket competition in a 10-year deal worth more than US$1.5 billion in 2008.

The BCCI last year scrapped its broadcast deal with the Asian sports marketing firm after allegations of financial irregularities emerged regarding the original deal with Lalit Modi, who has since been axed as commissioner of the IPL.

The two parties are currently embroiled in a legal battle over the rights to the hugely popular tournament, with WSG stating on Tuesday that it is determined to challenge the “BCCI's unfounded termination of its contract for the IPL's worldwide media rights outside of the Indian sub-continent”.

The statement added: “WSG will take the necessary action to protect its commercial rights and those of its licensees around the world...the BCCI is yet to have its appeal in a dispute with WSG admitted by the Supreme Court following the Bombay High Court's ruling in WSG's favour.”

Multi Screen Media is the current IPL broadcast rights holder in the Indian sub-continent, having last year secured a deal to run through to 2017.