Star West Indies batsman Chris Gayle says he is hopeful that a tour to South Africa will go ahead despite a pay dispute.

The West Indies cut short a tour to India last month, refusing to play the last of five one-day internationals, a Twenty20 match and three Tests over a row between players and officials about money.

There have been fears in South Africa that the West Indies would not come this December, or that officials would have to send a second-string side without crowd-pullers like Gayle.

“Hopefully the dispute can be resolved and we will play against South Africa,” Gayle said as he helped the Highveld Lions win a South African T20 Challenge match in Johannesburg.

“The current situation between players and officials in the West Indies is unfortunate, but these disputes do happen occasionally.

“Talks are taking place to try and resolve the issue and I would love the South Africa tour to go ahead,” the 35-year-old run machine said.

The West Indies are scheduled to play three Tests, three T20 games and five ODIs during December and January.