Bacher is in London for last minute talks aimed at rescuing the trip.

Jeremy Vine talks to disappointed young cricketers in Soweto

He said he hoped the tour would be secured at a meeting on Sunday between West Indies Cricket Board president Pat Rousseau and the West Indies players.

Players' representative Courtney Walsh was also hopeful of a successful outcome.

A South African news agency quoted sources as saying sacked West Indies captain Brian Lara and his deputy, Carl Hooper would be reinstated.

Former Test fast bowler Joel Garner has been called in from Pakistan

In London, however, former West Indies star Joel Garner, acting as a mediator on behalf of the West Indies Board, said: "All I can say to you is that we are nowhere near finding a solution."

Garner was summoned from the West Indies A tour of Pakistan to join the discussions.

Players and managers are staying in separate hotels, 400 yards apart, near London's Heathrow airport.

Players representative Courtney Walsh: "We're still very hopeful"

By Saturday lunchtime no direct talks between them were reported to have taken place.

Lara and Hooper were axed from the team earlier this week after refusing to join the 10-week tour in South Africa unless tour fees were increased.

Their stance won the support of their teammates, who were adamant that Lara and Hooper should be reinstated.

Ali Bacher: "I'm sure there'll be sufficient good will to find a resolution"

The players' representative Courtney Walsh said: "We are still very hopeful, that's why we are still here in London and not going back to the Caribbean or anywhere else."

On Friday personal letters from South African President Nelson Mandela were handed to the players pleading with them to tour.

The junior players are believed to be on around £23,000 for the tour, with more established members of the team earning £35,000. The team are still insisting that the fees are increased, and also want Lara and Hooper reinstated.

They are perpared to bide their time, with a spokesman indicating a willingness to "stay as long as we have to".