The 13 rebels have refused to play in the home series against Sri Lanka, which starts with the first of five one-day internationals in Bulawayo on Tuesday.

The players want Heath Streak reinstated as captain, changes to the selection panel, and an acknowledgement by the ZCU of transgressions they say have been committed by board officials.

One of the rebels, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the black players supported their stand but were cautious about voicing their support publicly.

"They understand the future is not very bright if all of us should leave," he told Reuters from Zimbabwe on Sunday.

"They think we've done the right thing and they are keen to join us but they are coming from a different perspective."

The players and the ZCU issued writs against each other on Friday, with each side claiming "breach of contract" against the other.

The parties have 21 days to remedy the alleged breaches, failing which the matter will go to court.

The ZCU, which told them that if they did not show up for practice Friday "action would be taken", have held back by giving them this ultimatum.

But if they do not comply by the deadline, May 8, they will either be suspended or dismissed.

ZCU chairman Peter Chingoka said Thursday: "They are employees, after all."

The 15 dissident players, although advised to soften their stance by their lawyer Chris Ventura, seem hell bent on continuing the stand-off over the removal of Streak in particular.

However, the chief executive of the ZCU, Vincent Hogg, told AFP there had been no writs and counter-writs as reported in the Times of London and other British newspapers on Saturday.

"The letter is what is on the table," he said.

Neither Venturas, nor any senior white player, was available for comment or to give initial reaction to the ZCU letter.

The rebel players say that the selectors have allowed political and racial considerations to enter their choices. The ZCU said Heath and the other 12 were asking for too much influence in the way the team was picked.

The row means that a severely under-strength Zimbabwe side, already one of the weakest Test-playing nations, will take on Sri Lanka over the forthcoming series.