TEN Sports and ESPN-Star will bid for the telecast rights of the Asia Cup and international matches played in India when they come up for offer in July.

"We will go all out for the telecast rights of the events, all of which involve India," ESPN-Star Sports Director (Advertising Sales) Sanjay Kailash said.

Sharmista Rijhwani, Managing Director, Taj Television India Private Limited, the marketing arm of TEN Sports, also declared her firm's intention to make a strong bid.

"Ten Sports are aggressively bidding to acquire rights for all upcoming cricketing properties which include the Asia Cup, BCCI rights and the Tri-nation tourney in Holland," she said.

Till last season Prasar Bharati held the rights for matches organised by the BCCI and the contract is up for grabs from the 2004-05 season.

The Asia Cup, featuring 13 One-Day Internationals and involving six teams including India, is to be held from July 16 to August 2. The four-match tri-series in Amsterdam featuring India, Pakistan and Australia is scheduled from August 22 to 29.

The last date for sending in bids for television as well as radio coverage rights for the Asia Cup is June 10, as per a notification issued by the Malaysia-based Asian Cricket Council.