Viv Richards and Carl Hooper Demand Apology from Brian Lara Over Book Claims

Viv Richards and Carl Hooper have requested an apology from Brian Lara for statements made in his book, "Lara: The England Chronicles." Lara claimed that Richards used to intimidate teammates in the West Indies cricket team, asserting that Richards would make him cry every few weeks and made Hooper cry "once a week." In response, Richards and Hooper issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment over what they described as "gross misrepresentations" in the book, arguing that these claims distort the reality of their off-field relationship.

The statement from Richards and Hooper highlighted their dismay at the allegations, stating that these misrepresentations unjustly damage their reputations. They emphasised that the portrayal of Richards as a figure who emotionally abused Hooper is both false and hurtful. The statement clarified that Richards, as Hooper's first captain, always acted as a supportive mentor, maintaining a nearly 40-year relationship based on mutual respect and camaraderie.

The statement refuted Lara's allegations, describing them as a serious misrepresentation that has caused distress to both Richards and Hooper, as well as their families. It concluded with a demand for Lara to publicly retract his claims and apologise for the harm caused, stressing the importance of truth for the integrity of public discourse and the personal and professional lives of those involved.