BCCI introduces full 'Vande Mataram' rendition as new pre-match protocol before India vs Afghanistan T20I

New Prematch Protocol: Vande Mataram Now Part of India vs Afghanistan T20I Ceremony

New Delhi, 13 Sep 2026 — The BCCI quietly changed the script for prematch rituals ahead of the 1st T20I vs Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. For the first time at an international fixture, the complete rendition of 'Vande Mataram' (3 min 10 sec) was played before 'Jana Gana Mana' — a notable departure from the single-anthem format long standard in Indian venues.

Why the change? The move aligns with MHA guidelines on the national song. The BCCI rolled out the protocol formally, though it remains unconfirmed whether all three Friendship Cup T20Is will observe it or just the opener.

Match details: Kick-off at 7:00 PM IST, toss at 6:30 PM. Afghanistan hold official host status for the 3-match T20I leg, despite all fixtures staged in Delhi.

Playing XIs:

- Afghanistan: Gurbaz(w), Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Omarzai, Naib, Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb, Noor Ahmad, Farooqi

- India: Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep, Bumrah (c), Varun CA

Bottom line: a ceremonial shift that could set the tone for the rest of the Friendship Cup series.

Source: Crictracker