ZCU wants rebels to return

Streak's return as captain has been a key demand of the group, who have refused to represent Zimbabwe until certain conditions are met.

A skeleton side lost to Sri Lanka in Tuesday's one-day international.

But ZCU chairman Peter Chingoka said: "There is no reverse gear on the captaincy."

In Streak's absence, 20-year-old wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu led Zimbabwe as they lost by 12 runs in Bulawayo.

But Chingoka is adamant he will not back down and bring back Streak as skipper.

"We can't give up on the principle because of the consequences," he said.

But he stressed he would be happy to have the absent players back on board.

If rectification is not made their contracts will be terminated Peter Chingoka

"The door remains open to the players and their representatives to talk to the union in an attempt to find a solution to the very serious problems we are currently facing," Chingoka added.

The ZCU claims it has made "important concessions" to the players involved.

They include slimming down the national selection panel from six to four, paying 100% of the running costs of the Zimbabwe Professional Cricketers Association in the first year and 50% thereafter, and looking at a minimum wage for players.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council said while it would assist the ZCU but would not take direct action.

President Ehsan Mani said although it was up to the ZCU to appoint captains and selection committees, but warned international cricket should not be undermined.

He said: "The ICC recognises and has discussed with the ZCU the international implications of this dispute and its potential effect on international cricket.

"It is one of the ICC's responsibilities to ensure that everything possible is done to protect the integrity of the sport.

"The ZCU has provided assurances and supporting evidence that the dispute is not about race or politics as it has sometimes simplistically been portrayed.

"The ZCU has invested heavily in players from all backgrounds in Zimbabwe and representative teams below the international level reflect this investment with players from all races represented in the sport.