West Bengal government upgrades Sourav Ganguly's security cover to 'Z' category

The West Bengal government reportedly have upgraded the security cover of former team India captain Sourav Ganguly to Z category. The decision was made on Tuesday, 16 May, following the expiration of Ganguly's tenure of Y category security.

The Ex-Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president used to have three Special Branch police officers in his perimeter and an equivalent number of law enforcers guarding his Behala residence under the Y category security cover. Meanwhile, as per the new security arrangement, he would be guarded by eight to ten police officers.

"As the security cover of the VVIP expired, a review was done as per the protocol, and it was decided to raise Ganguly's security cordon to Z category," a senior official was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

According to the official, on Tuesday, May 16, representatives from the state government visited Ganguly's Behala office and met with officers from Kolkata Police Headquarters Lalbazar and the local police station. He further stated that Ganguly is now travelling with his Indian Premier League (IPL) team and would return to Kolkata on May 21 and from that day itself he will be receiving Z category security.

"Ganguly is currently travelling with his team Delhi Daredevils and will return to Kolkata on May 21. He will start getting Z category security from that very day," the official added.

Ganguly is currently serving as the Director of Cricket of the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals (DC). Notably, it was his first assignment related to professional cricket after he completed his stint as the BCCI president in October 2022. Notably, he worked closely with coach Ricky Ponting as an advisor for DC during the 2019 IPL season.

DC have had a dismal season in the IPL 2023. With only eight points, the David Warner-led side is at the bottom of the IPL 2023 points table. They were eliminated from the playoff contention after losing to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last game. DC will once again lock horns with PBKS on May 17 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala.