India, Sept. 13 -- For the first time at a cricket match involving the India men's team, the national song, Vande Mataram, was played in full before the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, before the start of the first Twenty 20 International against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on Monday.

It is in keeping with new protocol that is expected to be followed before the start of series and tournaments where the national anthem is traditionally played.

The development follows the passage of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in late July. The amendment to Section 3 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, extends to the national song, Vande Mataram, the same legal protection cu...