World Cup fears as Lara and Co left out

Brian Lara's absence from the West Indies team to face South Africa in next week's First Test has heightened fears that the Caribbean could lose the 2007 World Cup.

A row over rival sponsorship deals has left the West Indies without captain Lara and six other leading players. The home selectors have already announced a squad, led by Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and are unlikely to make changes even if the row is resolved. Keith Mitchell, the prime minister of Grenada and someone who has attempted to mediate during the dispute, is worried about the reaction.

He said: "I am concerned by the message we send to the international community about the prospects for a successful World Cup."

Lara is at least wanted for one special match. Lord's is to stage a tsunami appeal game between star-studded MCC and International XIs on 14 June, and Lara, Shane Wa r ne and Muttiah Muralitharan are signed up.

The Oval is also holding a tsunami fund-raiser, with Asia playing an International XI in a Twenty20 fixture on 20 June.