Viv Richards and Carl Hooper Seek 'Apology'

Brian Lara's recently released book, "LARA: The England Chronicles," has ignited controversy due to claims made by the West Indies cricket legend. In his narrative, Lara suggests that Viv Richards was a stern leader whose "intimidating tone of voice" often reduced both himself and Carl Hooper to tears during their time under Richards' captaincy. However, Richards and Hooper vehemently contest these assertions.

Lara's book claims Richards' approach to discipline was such that only those who were "not strong" would be negatively impacted. In response, Richards and Hooper have issued a joint statement demanding an apology for what they describe as gross misrepresentation.

"I will say this: Viv used to make me cry every three weeks, but he would make Carl cry once a week. Viv's tone of voice is intimidating and if you're not strong enough, you can take that personally and be affected by it," one controversial excerpt from Lara's book reads. He further claims, "I was never really affected by it. In a way, I welcomed it because I was under his wing and expected some tough love; I consider myself a strong personality. Carl, on the other hand, I believe was intimidated by Viv."

Richards and Hooper counter that they have been severely misrepresented. Their joint statement expresses their deep disappointment: "Sir Vivian Richards and Mr Carl Hooper are greatly disheartened by the serious misrepresentations made about them in Mr Brian Lara's recently published book. The allegations not only distort the truth of their relationship, but also unjustly damage their reputations."

They specifically refute the claim that Richards' behaviour towards Hooper was aggressive, labelling it "categorically false." They argue that such portrayals falsely depict Richards as an emotional abuser, which they deem both unfounded and hurtful.

"We demand that Mr. Lara promptly issue a public retraction of these false statements and extend a sincere apology for the harm caused. It is imperative for the integrity of public discourse as well as for their personal and professional lives that the truth be acknowledged," their comprehensive statement concludes.