Streak says he could still play for Zimbabwe in future

Streak, who was sacked a week ago, has now been told by the Zimbabwe Cricket Union that he can return to team, although not as captain.

"I have issues with the ZCU itself, and until those issues are remedied I don't think I'll be in a position to make myself available," said Streak.

"Selection is at the core, and lack of transparency and way the ZCU has dealt with people, including myself."

He conceded he would still like to play for Zimbabwe in future.

The possibility of a mass resignation of players is increasing, as players' representatives have called for the veteran all-rounder's return.

I feel as though I'm the fall guy for issues that have hounded the players for some time Heath Streak

Players' representatives will consult with the team over the weekend and they will present their position to the ZCU board on Tuesday.

Wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu has been confirmed as Streak's replacement and is set to become the youngest Test skipper if Zimbabwe face Sri Lanka later this month.

Five players, including Streak, are not taking part in a round of first-class matches that began on Friday, having been excused by the ZCU.

Chief executive Vincent Hogg admitted the absences "might mean a boycott".

But he added: "Whatever it means, we shall still field a strong side against Sri Lanka when they begin their tour here next month."

Streak said he did not wish anyone else to pull out of playing for the country.

"No-one minds playing under Tatenda Taibu," he said.

"But they have issues with the way the game is administered and the way the selection is made out.

"I must say that I feel as though I'm the fall guy for issues that have hounded the players for some time now."

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The ZCU will appoint a new panel of selectors in July, but chairman Peter Chingoka says they will not be following Streak's demands over the composition of the panel.

He and the players who support him wanted each member of the panel to have experience playing Test or first-class cricket.

Streak's actions and subsequent events risk bringing Zimbabwean cricket close to the brink of collapse, but he does not feel personally responsible.

"It's something that the ZCU have brought upon themselves. I'm not desirous of bringing collapse and I hope that's not the case," he added.

"I hope there will be some resolve and maybe some intervention by the ICC. These issues keep coming to surface, and we need to deal with them once and for all."