By Martin Gough

Zimbabwe's decision not to play Test matches for the next 12 months may spell the end of a five-year saga around the team - and the country's 13-year spell as one of the top cricketing nations.

BBC Sport answers some of the major questions surrounding the latest events.

What has happened?

The government-appointed committee governing cricket in Zimbabwe has voluntarily decided not to ask the national team to play Test matches over the next 12 months.

Captain Taibu resigned in protest at the game's administration

Zimbabwe were made the ninth Test nation in 1992 after a strong showing at that year's World Cup, where they beat England.

But leading players have been drifting away from the side since 2000 - in protest either about money or the way the game is organised.

They have won only two Tests - both against lowly Bangladesh - in the last four-and-a-half years and have beaten only Bangladesh in their last 40 one-day internationals.

After captain Tatenda Taibu resigned in November and players went on strike, Zimbabwe appeared even less likely to be able to field a competitive side.

The striking players were protesting against the current administration, calling for Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Peter Chingoka to be deposed after claims of fraud.

But after a recent review the government appointed a new interim committee to run the game, with Chingoka as its head.

Is Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe involved in this?

Mugabe, the patron of the national body Zimbabwe Cricket, has no direct role but many officials are viewed as being selected by him.

Players want Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Chingoka deposed

Former captain Heath Streak led a player strike in 2004 in protest at racially-biased selection policies imposed by those officials.

Mugabe's land reform policy has led to Zimbabwe being suspended from membership of the Commonwealth, with several countries, including England and New Zealand, reluctant to play against the country.

New Zealand's government went as far as refusing visas for the team to visit late last year.

Why didn't the cricket authorities step in earlier?

World governing body the ICC has consistently refused to suspend Zimbabwe, maintaining that its problems are domestic, and therefore outside its remit.

It has forced countries like England to tour Zimbabwe in the past, citing rules agreed by all the major nations that call for a $2 million (�1.13m) fine for pulling out of a series.

Test status was suspended during the player strike of 2004 but Zimbabwe were eased back into the top level of the game with a series against Bangladesh.

They have since played a limited programme, with the ICC apparently unworried in the short term when series like the New Zealand tour do not go ahead.

Where does this leave the game and the players in Zimbabwe?

The domestic game in Zimbabwe is largely amateur, has been described as increasingly shambolic and, without revenues from incoming tours, it is likely to get worse.

Ervine is hoping to play Test cricket for England or Australia

Most of the players with the ability to play professionally elsewhere are already doing so, with Taibu playing professional club cricket in Bangladesh.

If Zimbabwe Cricket is not overhauled - and that looks unlikely while Mugabe is still in power - the rest are likely to retire and take up more lucrative careers, if they can.

County cricket has had an influx of Zimbabweans since the 2004 strike, aided by a European Union trade agreement that allows them to sidestep quotas on foreign players.

Others have gone to Australia and those who are young enough, including Hampshire all-rounder Sean Ervine, will look to qualify by residence to take part in Tests for their new counties.

What happens now?

The ICC has so far been tight-lipped over Zimbabwe's one-day international status, saying only that discussions are ongoing.

The international fixture list calls for the team to tour West Indies in April then play series at home to South Africa and away in Pakistan later in the year.

But unless they are contractually bound to face Zimbabwe, major nations are likely to prefer playing opponents of a higher profile, providing a greater draw for crowds.

If they can field 11 players, they are likely to still take part in next year's World Cup as five non Test-playing nations, including Scotland, are also appearing.

The Under-19 team may still take part in next month's youth World Cup and neighbouring South Africa are most likely to offer A-team and age-group opposition.

At some point a decision must be made on whether they can return to Test cricket. That is likely to be a decision made by Zimbabwe Cricket, under ICC influence.

If it is financially viable, the issue is most likely to be fudged, with series against lesser nations like Bangladesh, out of the spotlight of world cricket.