Richardson, who works for a sports sponsorship firm in South Africa, said a sponsor was ready to sign once the make-up of the team and the tour had been confirmed.

``The fact that we have been able to source a sponsor in the last two days will hopefully contribute and help in assisting the Board and the players getting together and solving their differences,'' Richardson said.

The West Indies players are in dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) over pay and conditions. Richardson suggested strongly that expelled team captain Brian Lara and vice-captain Carl Hooper would be crucial to the deal and would need to be reinstated.

SABC Television sports chief Edward Griffiths admitted that unless Lara and Hooper came with the team it could affect coverage of the tour. The national broadcaster holds therights to screen all the tour matches.

``It's quite alarming from SABC's point of view. We won't put up with anything less than a full strength side,'' Griffith said. ``We owe it to our sponsors, viewers and advertisers.''

The West Indies touring party are currently in London with team manager Clive Lloyd, South African cricket chief Ali Bacher and WICB member Joel Garner to try and resolve the dispute.

Richardson said that his company had been appointed by the WICB to help raise sponsorships and appearances during the team's tour of South Africa, before the current crisis began.

IRVINE SUPPORTS PLAYERS: Former South African captain Lee Irvine said he supported the West Indies players over the tour.

``It seems to be a high-handed attitude by the West Indies Board. I'm on the side of the players. They need to be paid what they deserve and if it needs a local sponsor then so be it.''

Irvine said the crisis may force the International Cricket Council (ICC) to assist the WICB and ensure thatthey continue to be a force in world cricket.

WICB CHIEF IN LONDON: Meanwhile, the WICB president Pat Rousseau arrived today in London. Courtney Walsh, head of the players' association, said he needed to talk directly with Rousseau.

``The president coming is good news,'' Walsh said. ``We're looking forward to it. It's not just about money, it's general conditions and everything.''South African cricket chief Ali Bacher, after talking on telephone yesterday with Rousseau, said he was confident the tour would go on as scheduled and that Lara and Hooper would be reinstated.

PLAYERS PRACTICING: West Indian management and striking players are camped in neighbouring hotels near London's Heathrow Airport with players practicing to stay fit.