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The India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I match is being played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. After the toss, something unique happened as the Indian team players stood for the National Song; ahead of the National Anthem, the players sang ‘Vande Mataram ’. For the first time this happened in a cricket game, they sang the National Song of India.
This India vs Afghanistan three-match T20I series is being hosted by Afghanistan as they host the T20 World Cup champions for the first time in their history. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) got the green light from the BCCI to host their three matches at the same venue, which is the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
Vande Mataram played at Arun Jaitley Stadium ahead of India vs Afghanistan match
Shreyas Iyer gifted a signed jersey to Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran before the toss. The two captains, Iyer and Ibrahim Zadran, unveiled a special memento before the toss, marking the inauguration of the ‘Friendship Cup’ between the two teams. The two have shared a beautiful relationship over the years continues to this day.
As the toss was over, for the first time, all the Indian players sang Vande Mataram, the reason for singing the National Song of India, suddenly ahead of the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana. After the entire national song was completed, India's and Afghanistan's national anthems followed. This comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued guidelines.
Why was Vande Mataram played during India vs Afghanistan match?
The MHA stated that it is mandatory to play Vande Mataram during official events and to play the first six stanzas of Vande Mataram. The main rule also reveals that the National Anthem must be played after the National Song. As per guidelines issued by the Ministry also stated that the crowd and the audience must be well aware of the fact when the song is played at official events.
Speaking of the order issued by the Home Ministry, the 10-page diktat stated that “if the national song and the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, are played together, Vande Mataram would be played first. The audience was also advised to stand at attention whenever it is sung or played.”
As this is the first time it has been played at a sporting event, it will be interesting to watch whether both the national anthem and the national song are permitted by the ICC during their major events.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi misses out on 1st India vs Afghanistan T20I
India vs Afghanistan will be a historic series, keeping in mind that it is the first time they are hosting the Men in Blue; due to the diplomatic tensions, Afghans cannot play their home games at home; they either play in the UAE or India.
Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to field first, as Jasprit Bumrah returned to the side and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was dropped in the match, with India going with their natural opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. India are currently all over the Afghans with half the side back in the side.
