West Indies tour hangs in the balance (5 November 1998)

5 November 1998

West Indies tour hangs in the balance

Bob Dubery

The five-test, 7 ODI tour of South Africa by the West Indies hangs in the balance tonight.

This morning (local time) it was announced that the appointed captain Brian Lara and his deputy Carl Hooper had been removed from the tour party after a clash with the West Indian board over remuneration. Replacement players and a new Captain were to be announced today.

Now the seven players already in South Africa are threatening to leave South Africa and the balance of the squad has yet to arrive.

The UCB of South Africa are so concerned about the tour that UCB chief executive Dr. Ali Bacher and West Indian tour manager, and former Captain, Clive Lloyd will be flying to London tonight to meet with the player's representatives.

It is believed that the players, over and above their previously tabled objections, are now demanding the reinstatement of Lara and Hooper.

Source :: Bob Dubery