New Cricket Ritual: India’s International Cricket Games Now Start With Vande Mataram Preceding National Anthem

In Brief

1. Vande Mataram was played before the national anthem at India’s international game for the first time.
2. BCCI announced it will be played at the start of every home series before the first game.
3. This marks a new tradition in Indian international cricket ceremonies.
4. The change was confirmed by a BCCI source to PTI.

In a first for Indian cricket, the song Vande Mataram was played before the national anthem at an international match held in India. This historic event took place during the start of a home series, signaling a shift in match-day ceremonial protocol.

A source within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) told PTI that going forward, Vande Mataram would be played at the beginning of every home series before the first game is played.

The decision introduces a new tradition in Indian international cricket, giving prominence to the patriotic song alongside the established playing of the national anthem. This move reflects an effort to emphasize national pride and unity through music during sporting events.

The BCCI’s confirmation highlights its intent to maintain this practice as part of the pre-game proceedings in all future home series, indicating an institutional endorsement of the change.