Team India singing Vande Mataram in 1st T20I. [Source - AFP]India and Afghanistan kicked off their three-match T20I series on Sunday, September 13, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. It is an exciting series, with Afghanistan officially playing host despite the matches being held in India.Both India and Afghanistan began proceedings with the customary national anthems before the opening match got underway. However, something unusual happened just moments before India’s national anthem, leaving several cricket fans curious about the reason behind it.Vande Mataram Was Sung Before India’s National Anthem in IND vs AFG 1st T20IBefore the cricketing action began in Delhi, the IND vs AFG 1st T20I pre-match ceremony witnessed a notable moment as Vande Mataram was sung before India’s National Anthem, immediately catching the attention of fans watching the contest.The National Song of India was performed for around 3 minutes and 10 seconds, setting a patriotic tone inside the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Players from both teams stood on the field as the ceremony unfolded ahead of the IND vs AFG 1st T20I opening delivery.Soon after Vande Mataram concluded, India’s national anthem Jana Gana Mana was played for approximately 52 seconds. With both musical tributes completed, the teams were ready to begin the much-awaited first T20I of the series.Why Was Vande Mataram Played Before India’s National Anthem In IND vs AFG 1st T20?The reason Vande Mataram was played first during the IND vs AFG 1st T20I is linked to fresh guidelines issued by the Union Government on ceremonial observances. The rules state that when both the national song and national anthem are played, Vande Mataram will be rendered first.Under the new protocol, the approved six-stanza version of Vande Mataram runs for 3 minutes and 10 seconds, while Jana Gana Mana lasts around 52 seconds. Also Read: Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Is Not Playing India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I Match?The national song is also to be performed at designated government functions, including civilian honors ceremonies and events attended by the President.The guidelines come as India marks 150 years of Vande Mataram, with a year-long nationwide commemoration running from November 7, 2025, to November 7, 2026. With the fresh protocol in place, the sequence before the IND vs AFG 1st T20I followed the stated order that is Vande Mataram first, followed by the National Anthem.Fans React to Vande Mataram as India Opts to Bowl FirstAs the pre-match ceremony concluded, several fans strongly supported Vande Mataram being played before Jana Gana Mana. They welcomed the patriotic gesture during the opening of the IND vs AFG 1st T20I in Delhi.However, some cricket fans appeared confused about the sequence and were unaware of the new ceremonial protocol. The unusual order of Vande Mataram followed by Jana Gana Mana left many viewers questioning why the arrangement had changed.Lala @LalaXd Peak detailing by BCCI Vande Mataram played before the match Waiting for libtard meltdown 😹#IndvAfg Sep 13, 2026, 8:24 PM Snap @ObsessionSnap Why is vande mataram playing before the match😭 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 @Shebas_10dulkar Today, Vande Mataram was played first, followed by the National Anthem. 🇮🇳 Any idea why.. Seeing like this 1st time 🤔 #INDvsAFG Sep 13, 2026, 7:32 PM Ritushree 🌈 @QueerNaari What??? Now Vande Mataram has to be played before the National Anthem at the start of every cricket Match ??? I mean what??? #INDvAFG GAURESH MAHADIK @Gaureshsm53 Why impose the National Song at international sporting events? Keep it for national occasions. I respect Vande Mataram, but when players, staff and fans are just waiting for it to end, what’s the point? Patriotism shouldn’t be forced. 🇮🇳 #AFGvsIND #INDvsAFG #INDvAFG Sep 13, 2026, 7:36 PM Mohit @Warlock_mohit If you cannot sing 'Vande Mataram' in India, then you are free to leave India. "India mai rahna hai to VANDE MATARAM bolna hoga"🔥 Nindy Sohi @SohiNindy I think it's disrespect of our national anthem, if u wanna play vande Mataram u can play after National anthem, shame bjp, @BCCI #INDvsAFG Parinda 2.0🕊 @Parinda_2 Keep religion out of sport. At the same time, others openly expressed their opposition to the decision on social media. The mixed reactions showed how the moment became a talking point, even as Shreyas Iyer's men prepared to bowl first.Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Issues First Statement On Jasprit Bumrah’s Comeback From Injury
