First time ever, Vande Mataram played before national anthem at India-Afghanistan T20I
The national song ‘Vande Mataram’ was played before the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ for the first time at an India international cricket match during the first T20I between India and Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. As both teams lined up for the pre-match proceedings, ‘Vande Mataram’ was played first, followed by ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and Afghanistan’s national…
For the first time in history, the national song 'Vande Mataram' was played before the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' during the opening T20I between India and Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The pre-match ceremony saw both teams aligning for the traditional anthems, with 'Vande Mataram' leading the proceedings, followed by 'Jana Gana Mana' and Afghanistan's national anthem.
According to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources, this move will now be a regular feature before the start of the first match in every home series involving India. The decision came after a directive from the Union Home Ministry as part of events commemorating the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and steeped in India's fight for independence.
The government has been organizing programs throughout the year to mark this significant milestone. Moreover, the move comes in the wake of Parliament passing the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides statutory protection to 'Vande Mataram'. President Droupadi Murmu gave her approval to the legislation in August, making it an offence to intentionally prevent the singing of 'Vande Mataram' or cause disturbance to an assembly engaged in singing it.
The pre-match ceremony paved the way for India's strong performance in the opening game of the three-match series. India, bowled first, posted a formidable total of 156 for eight in their 20 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai scored an unbeaten 64, while Mohammad Nabi added 33 runs. Arshdeep Singh was India's top wicket-taker with three wickets.
Abhishek Sharma shone with a brilliant half-century, and India chased down the target in just 13.4 overs, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.
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