The West Bengal government has downgraded the security cover of former Indian cricket captain and ex-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly from the ‘Z’ category to the ‘Y’ category, following a recent security review, official sources said. The decision, which came into effect after a high-level assessment, will lead to a significant reduction in the number of police personnel deployed for Ganguly’s protection. However, the former cricketer has not made any public statement regarding the development so far.
Ganguly’s security had been upgraded to the ‘Z’ category in May 2023 under the previous arrangement, with approximately 8 to 10 police personnel assigned to his protection, along with special provisions for securing his residence.
In the state’s security hierarchy, ‘Z Plus’ remains the highest level of protection, typically reserved for top political figures such as the Chief Minister and the Governor. Senior leaders, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, have also been accorded this level of security in the past, while Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has been under ‘Z’ category protection.
Police sources indicated that although Ganguly’s security classification remained ‘Z’ on paper in recent times, the actual deployment had already been reduced gradually. The latest review has now formalised the downgrade to ‘Y’ category.
Before May 2023, Ganguly was under the ‘Y’ category security, which generally involves the deployment of three to four personnel, including armed officers. At that time, members of the Special Branch of Kolkata Police were assigned to his security detail.
The move aligns with the state government’s policy of providing security strictly based on threat perception rather than public profile or past positions. Following a political transition, the administration had initiated a comprehensive review of security arrangements for several individuals.
As part of this process, enhanced security cover for TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee was withdrawn earlier, and similar adjustments were made for other political leaders and retired officials.
Officials maintained that Ganguly’s case was reviewed as part of this routine exercise. However, the downgrade of security for one of India’s most prominent sporting figures has already sparked discussions in political and public circles.
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