First Time Ever: Indian Players Sing Vande Mataram, Then National Anthem Before Start of India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I
The Ministry of Home Affairs had set new protocols for the National Song, including six stanzas, before the anthem followed at the stadium.
- On Sunday, September 13, 2026, the National Song Vande Mataram was played before the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi during the India-Afghanistan T20I series opener.
- A Ministry of Home Affairs directive issued on January 28, 2026, established official protocols for the National Song, requiring that six stanzas be performed at official functions across the country.
- First sung together on Independence Day, August 15, 2026, the National Song and the National Anthem were performed in this sequence following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at that event.
- Marking an unusual start to the T20I match, players stood on the field as the National Anthem began immediately after the National Song ended; 'Hearing Vande Mataram in a cricket stadium for the first time-- pure goosebumps!' one fan posted.
- These guidelines suggest the sequence will become a standard feature at future official events, ensuring consistency in how the two songs are rendered during public ceremonies nationwide.
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Vande Mataram Played Before Start of India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2026 | 🏏 LatestLY
The iconic 'Vande Mataram' resonated across Arun Jaitley Stadium before the India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I today, September 13, 2026. This Friendship Cup opener in New Delhi, starting 7:00 PM IST, is crucial preparation for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Reigning T20 World Cup champions India, led by Shreyas Iyer, face Ibrahim Zadran's Afghanistan. 🏏 Vande Mataram Played Before Start of India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I 2026.
Vande Mataram Played For First Time Before National Anthem At India Vs Afghanistan T20I In New Delhi
India’s National Song Vande Mataram was played before the National Anthem at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday during the India-Afghanistan T20I series opener
Why Vande Mataram was sung before National Anthem in India vs Afghanistan T20I in Delhi
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.
Historic first: Vande Mataram played ahead of Jana Gana Mana in IND vs AFG 1st T20I
Vande Mataram was played before the national anthems at the India-Afghanistan first T20I in Delhi. The sequence followed recent Home Ministry guidelines on how the national song and anthem must be observed.
The India vs. Afghanistan international cricket match being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi saw a new beginning on Sunday. For the first time, "Vande Mataram" was played before the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" before an international cricket match. Due to this new arrangement, the toss ceremony lasted longer than usual, and the match began approximately four minutes behind schedule.
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