Why Vande Mataram was sung before National Anthem in India vs Afghanistan T20I in Delhi - EXPLAINED
The National Song, Vande Mataram, was sung for the first time at an international cricket match before India's opening T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday. The three-match T20I series began with an unusual moment as the two teams lined up on the field before the start of the match.
On Sunday, the National Song Vande Mataram was sung before the Indian national anthem during the opening match of a three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. This unusual event occurred after the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification on January 28 about the protocols for singing Vande Mataram, specifying that six stanzas of the song should be sung at official functions, taking approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds.
Despite sporting events not being listed in the Ministry's directive, Vande Mataram and the national anthem were sung together for the first time in full on August 15, 2026, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address. In the match, India won the toss and chose to field first, with Jasprit Bumrah returning to the lineup after a break.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was absent, while Sanju Samson replaced him in the team. India captain Shreyas Iyer explained their decision to bowl first based on the pitch conditions in Delhi and highlighted the team's positive experiences from their recent series in Zimbabwe, as well as Bumrah's crucial role.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- After IND vs AFG first, ‘Vande Mataram’ set to become regular before India matches timesofindia.indiatimes.com
