Zimbabwe's top cricketers are all set to walk away from the sport if the International Cricket Council fails to step in to protect their interests. Players representative Clive Field told BBC Sport: "It's a financial issue - these guys are crying out for help.
"But if they don't see a viable career in cricket they will have to earn a living doing something else."
The players went on strike on Thursday over late match fee and salary payments and other contractual issues.
Field said: "It's vital that we try to keep cricket going in Zimbabwe, but these are professional sportsmen who have to make a living.
"I'm personally a bit upset that the ICC has not found the need to become involved by now."
A statement put out by Field, on behalf of the Zimbabwe Professional Cricketers Association, alleges match fees were paid late or not at all for series against India and New Zealand.
It also claims no arrangements were made to provide the players with vehicles or fuel to attend the matches.
It adds: "In the light of the persistent and continued failure by both the Chairman and the managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket to address the legitimate concerns of their players, effective immediately no player will train or avail himself for national duty."
Field said: "We have reached the stage of an ultimatum - either the ICC or the Zimbabwe government has to step in."
Zimbabwe Cricket closed its offices for Christmas before the ZPCA statement was released.
ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed was flying from Dubai to Australia and was unavailable for comment.
MMIX
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