Vande Mataram played before India-Afghanistan T20I in Delhi

Vande Mataram was played in full before the national anthem ahead of India's first T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The national song was performed in its entirety for the first time at a men's international match following a recent legal amendment.

The protocol change requires Vande Mataram to be played at the start of every home series before the first game. All six stanzas were performed, extending the pre-match formalities to four minutes and two seconds.

The BCCI confirmed the new arrangement follows directives from the Union Home Ministry. The practice will continue for subsequent home matches in the series.