Sourav Ganguly‘s security cover has been downgraded from Z category to Y category following a review of VIP security arrangements in West Bengal. According to reports, the decision was taken after state authorities conducted a fresh assessment of security requirements as part of a broader exercise examining the deployment of police resources and protection provided to high-profile individuals.
The development marks a reversal of the enhanced protection granted to Ganguly in 2023, when his security classification was elevated from Y category to Z category. The latest review concluded that the former India Captain and former BCCI President no longer requires the higher level of security cover that had been in place over the past two years.
Security cover scaled back after reassessment
The Z-category arrangement provided Ganguly with a significantly larger security presence than the one previously assigned to him. The upgraded cover included an expanded deployment of police personnel, additional protection around his residence and security support during travel within the state.
Under the revised arrangement, several elements associated with the higher-tier security framework have been withdrawn. However, the downgrade does not mean the removal of protection altogether, with police security continuing under the Y-category classification.
The decision followed a review of current threat perceptions and security requirements. Authorities determined that the circumstances which justified the higher classification no longer warranted the continuation of Z-category protection.
How the security arrangement has changed
Before receiving the upgrade in 2023, Ganguly was protected under the Y-category framework. That arrangement included three Special Branch personnel assigned to his immediate security detail, while a similar number of officers were deployed at his Behala residence.
The subsequent move to Z-category protection substantially increased the size of the security contingent around the former India Captain. Reports indicated that between eight and ten police personnel formed part of the enhanced security arrangement following the upgrade.
The latest revision effectively restores a lower level of deployment while maintaining official protection for the former cricketer and cricket administrator.
Part of a broader review of VIP security
The change is understood to be one element of a wider review of VIP security protocols being undertaken by the state administration. Officials have indicated that the exercise is intended to ensure security resources are allocated in accordance with current responsibilities, official status and updated threat assessments.
The review has involved examining existing security classifications and determining whether the level of protection assigned to individuals remains consistent with present-day requirements. The objective is to align deployments more closely with assessed risk levels while optimising the use of available police personnel.
Protection remains in place
Although the security downgrade represents a notable change from the arrangement introduced in 2023, Ganguly will continue to receive official police protection. The revised classification reflects the findings of the latest security assessment, which determined that Y-category cover is now considered sufficient under the state’s current security framework.
