A legal notice has been served on the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), asking it for removal of Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan from the national cricket team as he is an accused in a murder case. Shakib, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated cricketers, is currently in Pakistan, participating in a Test series against the host country.

Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Shajib Mahmood Alam has sent the legal notice to BCB on Saturday. He argued that since a murder case has been filed against Shakib, an investigation is now necessary, and BCB should facilitate Shakib’s return to Bangladesh to assist with the legal process, reports a private news agency United News of Bangladesh (UNB).

A case has been filed against156 people, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader for the murder of garment worker Rubel during the anti-discrimination student movement. The former captain of the Bangladesh team has been made accused number 28 in the case.

Shakib, a former member of parliament under Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Before the last general election earlier this year, Shakib joined the Bangladesh Awami League and ran for office in his constituency. He won the election and became a member of parliament.

However, his involvement in politics while still playing for the national team sparked controversy, reports UNB.

With Sheikh Hasina being ousted by a student movement, Shakib’s parliamentary membership was revoked as the President of Bangladesh dissolved the parliament and formed an interim government.

By Navalsang Parmar (Dhaka)