Sourav Ganguly's security downgraded from Z to Y by Bengal govt
Synopsis
Sourav Ganguly is no longer a Z-category protectee. The West Bengal government, under new CM Suvendu Adhikari, has cut his cover to Y — slashing his security detail from around 35 personnel to just three or four. It signals a broader rationalisation drive that has already touched Abhishek Banerjee and several TMC veterans.
Key Takeaways
Sourav Ganguly's security cover downgraded from Z-category to Y-category by the West Bengal government.
Z-category involved roughly 35 personnel and a pilot vehicle; Y-category deploys only three to four personnel .
The review was ordered by CM Suvendu Adhikari after assuming office post the recent assembly elections.
TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was among the first whose additional security was withdrawn under the same exercise.
Ganguly currently serves as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and is a former BCCI president.
The West Bengal government has downgraded the security cover of former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly from Z-category to Y-category, officials confirmed on Wednesday, 3 June. The move is part of a sweeping review of VIP protection in the state following the change of administration after last month's assembly elections.
What changes with the downgrade
Under Z-category cover, Ganguly was guarded by roughly 35 personnel, with coordination from the state police command and a pilot vehicle as part of the convoy. The Y-category arrangement, by contrast, deploys only three to four personnel, including two armed officers for close protection.
The former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president, who currently heads the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), has not issued any public statement on the revision.
Why the review is happening
The decision flows from a directive issued by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari soon after he assumed office, instructing that security resources be allocated strictly on the basis of assessed threat perception. Officials said the exercise is aimed at ensuring enhanced cover is reserved for those facing a genuine and verifiable risk.
A comprehensive audit of individuals receiving special protection under the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led government was launched shortly after, with periodic assessments now driving allocations.
Who else has been affected
One of the earliest high-profile revisions involved TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, with the government stating that any cover beyond what he is entitled to as a sitting Member of Parliament would be withdrawn. Several TMC leaders, former ministers, and retired police officials have since seen their protection details recalibrated.
With Ganguly's downgrade, the list of public figures touched by the rationalisation drive now extends well beyond political circles.
What happens next
Officials indicated that further reviews are likely in the coming weeks as the new administration continues to map threat perceptions against deployment. Whether Ganguly, who has frequently navigated public-facing roles in cricket administration and business, contests the assessment remains to be seen.
Point of View
And Bengal's new dispensation is wielding the audit pen with visible intent. Stripping Z-cover from a non-political icon like Ganguly signals that the rationalisation is being framed as threat-based rather than partisan — but the optics will be tested by who keeps their detail and who loses it next. The previous TMC government's allocations are clearly under scrutiny, and the Abhishek Banerjee precedent shows the exercise has teeth. The real question is whether threat assessments are being formally documented or simply reset with each regime change.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sourav Ganguly's security cover downgraded?
The West Bengal government downgraded Ganguly's cover from Z to Y category as part of a broader review of VIP security under CM Suvendu Adhikari. Officials said the exercise is meant to align protection with assessed threat perception.
What is the difference between Z and Y category security?
Z-category cover involves around 35 personnel along with coordination from the state police command and a pilot vehicle. Y-category is significantly leaner, with only three to four personnel including two armed officers for close protection.
Who else has had their security reviewed by the Bengal government?
TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was among the first to see additional cover withdrawn beyond his MP entitlement. Several TMC leaders, former ministers, and retired police officials have also had their security details revised.
Has Sourav Ganguly responded to the downgrade?
No. The former BCCI president and current CAB president has not issued any public statement on the revision so far.
When did the Bengal security review begin?
The review began shortly after CM Suvendu Adhikari assumed office following the recent assembly elections, with a directive to allocate security strictly on the basis of risk assessment.
