Streak in last-ditch Zimbabwe meet
HARARE, Zimbabwe -- Heath Streak lost his battle to regain the Zimbabwe captaincy after crisis talks with Union chairman Peter Chingoka Thursday in a bid to resolve the biggest crisis to hit Zimbabwe cricket since it became a Test-playing country in 1991.
Streak was sacked after complaining about the make-up of the national selection panel and replaced by Tatenda Taibu.
The decision was confirmed after nearly six hours of talks, with Steak given the option to carry on as a player.
The move has been unpopular with senior players and there have been hints of a player rebellion.
Streak was accompanied to the meeting by his lawyer Chris Venturas and Test players Grant Flower and Andy Blignaut.
Chingoka was flanked by the ZCU chief executive Vincent Hogg and several members of the board of directors.
Senior Zimbabwe players met at a secret Harare location to decide their joint reaction to the ousting of Streak.
A Test player who asked to not to be named said there was "a hint of a possible strike, which is still not impossible".
The board say they have accepted his resignation but Streak's father Dennis, acting as his spokesman, is adamant he did not resign.
Streak had wanted two selectors to step down and said he would consider his position if this was refused.
Streak said he would attempt at Thursday's meeting to resolve the situation "for the future of the game in Zimbabwe and to map out the way forward".
But he left without making comment to reporters and must now mull over his next move.
A lasting resolution needs to be found quickly. Sri Lanka are due in Zimbabwe for a four-week tour of two Tests and five one-day internationals on April 17.
If the dispute cannot be settled before next Wednesday the tour might have to be called off.
