India cricket team begins playing Vande Mataram before national anthem

The Indian men’s cricket team has begun performing the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, ahead of the national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, during international matches. This practice was first observed during a T20I series against Afghanistan in New Delhi on September 13.

This tradition also extended to foreign soil during a recent match against Japan at the Sano International Cricket Ground. The inclusion of the national song follows guidelines issued in February by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ as part of the 150th anniversary commemorations of the national songs.

Under these guidelines, the official rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ is intended to last three minutes and ten seconds, followed by the national anthem. While initial reports suggested the song would be played during the first match of every home series, its performance in Japan indicates it may be utilized in other international contexts as well.