On Sunday, March 9, 2025, the Indian national cricket team etched their name in history as they lifted the ICC Champions Trophy after a thrilling final against New Zealand in Dubai. While the victory was celebrated with loud cheers, medal presentations, and a dazzling trophy ceremony, one particular aspect stood out – the champions were also presented with pristine white jackets. This unique tradition caught the attention of fans worldwide, prompting the question: why do winners of the Champions Trophy wear white coats?
The origin of the white jacket tradition
The tradition of awarding white jackets to the Champions Trophy-winning team is a relatively recent one in cricket, dating back to the 2009 edition of the tournament, which was hosted by South Africa. While the ICC Champions Trophy itself was first introduced in 1998, this symbolic gesture was not part of the early editions. It was Ricky Ponting, the captain of the Australian national team, who became the first-ever cricketer to don the white jacket after leading Australia to victory in 2009.
Indian players celebrate with the winners trophy on the podium after defeating New Zealand in the final cricket match of the ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)
Unlike other major ICC tournaments such as the T20 World Cup, the ODI World Cup, and the World Test Championship, the Champions Trophy is the only cricket competition where the winners receive this special honour. This makes the white jacket an exclusive and highly coveted symbol of supremacy in the One Day International (ODI) format.
Inspired by the Masters’ Green Jacket
The concept of awarding a ceremonial jacket to champions is not unique to cricket. The tradition is largely inspired by golf, where the winner of The Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious golf championships, is awarded a green jacket. The green jacket serves as a mark of excellence and is considered one of the highest honours in the sport.
Indian players celebrate with the winners trophy after defeating New Zealand in the final cricket match of the ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)
Taking inspiration from golf, the International Cricket Council (ICC) introduced the white jacket for Champions Trophy winners, making it an emblem of their triumph in the 50-over format. Just as the green jacket in golf symbolizes membership in an elite club of champions, the white jacket in cricket signifies the team’s dominance in ODI cricket at the time.
Symbolism behind the white acket
The white jacket is not merely a piece of clothing; it carries deep symbolism. White is often associated with purity, excellence, and supremacy in the sporting world. In cricket, where players traditionally wear white attire in Test matches, the colour represents heritage and prestige. By awarding white jackets to Champions Trophy winners, the ICC reinforces the significance of the tournament while honouring the victorious team with a mark of distinction.
India’s Virat Kohli and teammates celebrate with the winners trophy on the podium after defeating New Zealand in the final cricket match of the ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)
Wearing the white jacket serves as a reminder of the team’s journey to the top, their perseverance, and the moment of glory they achieved. It also sets the Champions Trophy apart from other ICC tournaments by giving it a unique identity.
How are the jackets prepared?
The preparation of the white jackets is a meticulous process. Before the Champions Trophy final, the ICC ensures that tailors take the measurements of players from both finalist teams. However, only the team that emerges victorious gets the privilege of wearing these jackets. The losing side does not receive them, making the moment even more special for the champions.
Once the final whistle is blown and the winners are confirmed, the jackets are presented alongside the gold medals and the Champions Trophy itself. The players proudly wear them during the post-match celebrations, cementing their status as the best ODI team in the world.
India’s historic Champions Trophy victory
With their victory in 2025, India became the most successful team in the history of the Champions Trophy, securing their third title. Their previous triumphs came in 2002 (joint winners with Sri Lanka) and 2013. This latest victory adds another feather to India’s cricketing legacy and reinforces their dominance in the 50-over format.
A look at past Champions Trophy winners
The ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed a variety of winners over the years. Here’s a quick look at the past winners:
1998 – South Africa (Winner of the inaugural edition)
2000 – New Zealand
2002 – India and Sri Lanka (Joint winners due to a rain-affected final)
2004 – West Indies
2006 – Australia
2009 – Australia (First team to receive the white jackets)
2013 – India
2017 – Pakistan
2025 – India
Afghanistan’s first appearance in the Champions Trophy
One of the notable aspects of the 2025 Champions Trophy was Afghanistan’s historic participation. For the first time, the Afghan national cricket team competed in the prestigious tournament, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing journey. They performed admirably, securing one win, one draw, and one loss in the group stage. Their inclusion in the tournament reflects their rapid rise in international cricket and their growing reputation as a formidable force in the limited-overs format.
The prestige of winning the Champions Trophy
Although the ODI World Cup is regarded as the pinnacle of One Day cricket, the Champions Trophy holds immense prestige as well. Unlike the World Cup, which features a broader pool of teams and a lengthier tournament structure, the Champions Trophy is often referred to as the “mini World Cup” due to its competitive format that includes only the top-performing teams. Winning this tournament is a testament to a team’s consistency, skill, and ability to perform under pressure.
The white jacket tradition in the ICC Champions Trophy is more than just a sartorial choice; it is a symbol of excellence, an honour reserved only for the best ODI team in the world. Introduced in 2009 and inspired by golf’s green jacket, this distinctive prize has become a celebrated part of the cricketing world. With India’s latest triumph in 2025, the white jackets once again took centre stage, signifying not just victory but also the journey, the spirit, and the legacy of champions. As the cricketing world looks ahead to the next edition, one thing is certain – the race to wear the coveted white jacket will always be a thrilling battle of skill, resilience, and passion.
