India's players celebrate after winning the ICC Champions Trophy final cricket match against New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) India's players celebrate after winning the ICC Champions Trophy final cricket match against New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand in the final on Sunday, March 9, but the spotlight also fell on the iconic white jackets. Curious about their significance? Here’s the story behind this unique tradition. (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

Handed out before the trophy ceremony, each player slipped into a custom-made blazer featuring the tournament logo on the chest pocket, a tradition that has become as iconic as the victory itself.

Much like the prestigious green jacket awarded to Masters champions in golf, these blazers serve as a lifelong memento for the winners, symbolizing their place in cricketing history.

The iconic white jackets serve as a 'badge of honor', proudly worn by every member of the ICC Champions Trophy-winning team.

Rather than expecting someone like Rohit Sharma to squeeze into a jacket meant for the smaller Virat Kohli or KL Rahul, or Mohammed Shami to wear the same size as Kuldeep Yadav, a tailor is sent to each finalist team to take precise measurements before the jackets are made.

Just like the different skills they bring to the game, they get jackets in different sizes too.

India's Mohammed Shami receives the white coat from BCCI President Roger Binny during the presentation ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy after their win against New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai,fef777 United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike) India's Mohammed Shami receives the white coat from BCCI President Roger Binny during the presentation ceremony of the ICC Champions Trophy after their win against New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

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When Did The White Jacket Tradition Begin In ICC Champions Trophy?

The iconic white jacket is back! #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/qcPLDU93PJ

— ICC (@ICC) January 14, 2025

While the ICC Champions Trophy began in 1998, the tradition of awarding white jackets to the winners started with the 2009 edition in South Africa.

Australia, led by Ricky Ponting, were the first team to receive the prestigious white blazers after their six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Centurion.

The jacket was originally designed by Mumbai fashion designer Babita M, whose collections were showcased in several high-end outlets.

Crafted from rich Italian wool blends, the jacket features a textured, striped design. Its white fabric is accented with gold braiding, while the Champions Trophy logo is elegantly embroidered with a golden contour.

ICC Champions Trophy Winners Who Have Worn The White Jacket

2009: Australia (beat New Zealand in the final)

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2013: India (beat England in the final)

2017: Pakistan (beat India in the final)

2025: India (beat New Zealand in the final)

Ethan Nwaneri and Jack Porter stole the limelight in midweek, with the former grabbing two goals on his senior Arsenal start, with Arteta also giving four more teenagers the chance to shine against the League One outfit.

The Rossoneri subsequently ended a run of six straight defeats against the Nerazzurri stretching back to September 2022futsaljogo, while moving Fonseca's side level on eight points with their rivals.