"They will continue to play one-day cricket as a pathway for the players," ICC president Ehsan Mani told a news conference at Lord's on Thursday.

"The dispute between the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) and the players is a worrying issue. It should have been resolved in Zimbabwe."

Zimbabwe agreed to postpone their remaining 2004 Tests last month after the ZCU became embroiled in a dispute with 15 of the country's leading white players over team selection.

The players, angry over Heath Streak's departure as captain, made themselves unavailable for selection and were then sacked, leaving Zimbabwe with a side unable to compete at the top level.

"What we want is to protect the integrity of cricket and cricket in Zimbabwe," Mani added.

He said the plan was for Zimbabwe to resume Test cricket in 2005 with a visit to Bangladesh.

Zimbabwe are next due to play in the ICC Champions' Trophy in England in September, followed by a one-day series in Pakistan in October.

England are then due to visit Zimbabwe and are considering playing five rather than four one-dayers.