Why is “Vande Mataram” being played ahead of India matches in cricket?
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Vande Mataram was played for the first time during India vs Afghanistan T20I series.
For most countries, it’s the national anthem that is played before matches. However, for the Indian Cricket Team matches, the national song “Vande Mataram” has recently started being played.
The national song was played before the game for the first time earlier this month, on September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, when India faced Afghanistan in the first T20I of the three-match series.
The complete six-stanza version of Vande Mataram was performed before the international match in India, which came as a surprise to many Indian cricket fans. However, it is expected to become a common sight for the fans.
Why is Vande Matram being played before India’s matches?
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Nevertheless, the reason behind the decision has been simple. In February, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued guidelines governing the rendition of Vande Mataram as part of the 150th anniversary commemorations of the national songs.
As per the guidelines, the official rendition should only last three minutes and ten seconds, followed by the national song “Jana Gana Mana,” which should be completed in 52 seconds. Thus, the complete rendition would take 4 minutes and 2 seconds.
The National Song will be performed before the start of the first game of every home series for the Indian cricket team. The Indian men’s cricket team will next host the West Indies for eight matches, three ODIs and five T20Is, starting from September 27.
The ministry also listed out a set of events/situations during which the National Song had to be sung along with the National Anthem, which did not include sporting events.
Meanwhile, at the Suzuki Cup in Japan, where India are up against the hosts of the Asian Games, Vande Mataram was played first by the ground staff before they played India’s national anthem.
When was the first time Vande Mataram was played at a cricket match of the Indian team?
The national song was played before the game for the first time earlier this month, on September 13, when India faced Afghanistan in the first T20I of the three-match series
When will the national song be played?
The National Song will be performed before the start of the first game of every home series for the Indian cricket team.
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