In a letter to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) dated October 30, 1998 chief executive officer of the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA), David Holford, requested a meeting of the WICB to discuss the following:
The ``one-off'' nature of the fee agreement recently reached with respect to the fees for the South African tour and miscellaneous grievances including;
In a series of communications between the WICB and the WIPA made available to the SUNDAY SUN, the WICB accuses the WIPA of being tardy in its negotiations for the players.
In a fax dated October 24 from the WICB to the WIPA, the board stated that WIPA's inability to communicate with its executive members from August 10 for approximately 40 days, was the major reason why negotiations for the tour to South Africa were not completed.
Holford apologised to the WICB for the Association's tardiness in replying.
According to Holford, their late formal reply ``could not be avoided due to difficulties in communication between myself and members of the players' executive who are all currently abroad''.
But the board wrote back:
``This is certainly not the fault and the responsibility of the WICB. WIPA must be held accountable for its actions.''
In that WICB release, chief finance officer, Richard Jodhan, said he was recommending to his executive that the WICB should stand firm and not increase their proposed offer.
``David, I feel strongly that WIPA is clearly in the wrong. ``As you are aware, I am in favour with the principle of your formula (for paying players) and look forward to working with you to fine tune the details for future tours,'' Jodhan added.
Three days later, the board sent further correspondence to WIPA stating that in order to reach agreement on fees for that period encompassing the Test series, WICB was prepared to increase the sum reached in negotiations on its part by US $30 000.
On October 30, Holford forwarded correspondence to the WICB requesting a meeting with its representatives in London on November 3.
It was at this time that Holford spelt out what the players wanted to talk about.
WIPA sent off another fax on November 2 indicating that the West Indies players in London would be joined by Lara and Hooper who were on their way from Bangladesh.
On that same date, Clive Lloyd, instructed by WICB chief executive officer, Steve Camacho, informed Lara and Hooper by way of a letter that:
``If you do not proceed to South Africa as planned with the rest of the party both of you would severely prejudice your involvement in W.I. cricket ...''.