Champions Trophy's iconic white jacket: The meaning behind ICC tournament's unique tradition
While fans are excited for the tournament to begin, one unique tradition associated with the Champions Trophy is the white jacket worn during the post-match presentation¡ªexclusively reserved for the winners of the ICC tournament.
In not even two weeks the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to commence (February 19), and with all teams officially announced, tickets are selling out like hot cakes. The ninth edition of the marquee ODI tournament will be hosted across Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - with Indian playing all it's matches in Dubai.
While fans are excited for the tournament to begin, one unique traditions associated with the Champions Trophy is the white jacket worn by the winning team during the post-match presentation. While not as widely recognized as other cricketing customs, this symbolic gesture holds significant meaning.
Why do players wear the white jacket?
The white jacket is exclusively reserved for the winners of the Champions Trophy. The International Cricket Council (ICC) even highlighted this tradition in an advertisement released on January 14, featuring former Pakistani legend Wasim Akram unveiling the tournament's white jacket with the words "ICC Champions Trophy" and "Pakistan" elegantly embroidered in gold on the chest pocket.
In addition to lifting the trophy, each member of the winning team receives a white blazer during the presentation ceremony. According to the ICC, the white jacket serves as a "badge of honour," representing the players' determination, tactical brilliance, and overall greatness.
The iconic white jacket is back! #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/qcPLDU93PJ
¡ª ICC (@ICC) January 14, 2025
"Every match counts in the ICC's most high-stakes event format, where teams not only vie for the Champions Trophy but also for the coveted white jackets¡ªsymbolizing the ultimate measure of greatness and determination. The white jacket is a badge of honour adorned by champions. It embodies the relentless pursuit of tactical brilliance and a legacy that inspires generations. Winning the white jacket signifies the journey of putting it all on the line for victory" the ICC Official Statement stated.
When did this tradition start?
While the inaugural Champions Trophy took place in 1998, the tradition of the white jacket was introduced in the 2009 edition when Australia emerged victorious in South Africa. Since then, it has become a signature part of every tournament.
Some believe this tradition draws inspiration from other sports, such as golf's green jacket from The Masters Tournament and tennis' all-white attire at Wimbledon.
What sets the Champions Trophy apart from other cricket tournaments, like the Cricket World Cup, is its inclusion of the white jacket¡ªa unique symbol that adds an extra layer of distinction for the winning team beyond simply lifting the trophy.
#OnThisDay in 2013, India won the ICC Champions Trophy! Watch the top moments of their triumph in the final against England! #CT13 pic.twitter.com/cTxIU5oqv8
¡ª ICC (@ICC) June 23, 2017
Defending champions & 2025 outlook
The Pakistan cricket team will be entering this contest as the defending champions, having clinched the title in 2017 against arch-rivals India. With teams having finalized their squads, the 2025 edition is expected to be fiercely competitive, featuring some of the world's best ODI players battling for both the Champions Trophy and the prestigious white jackets.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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