The Legacy Behind The Champions Trophy White Jacket: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has reached the semi-final stage, with India set to face Australia on Tuesday, followed by South Africa playing New Zealand on Wednesday. The winners of these two matches will advance to the finals on Sunday, March 9.
Fans are not just eager for the tournament to finish with a new winner, but also to see the winner with the white jacket during the post-match ceremony, which is one special tradition of the Champions Trophy. Though it’s not as well-known as other cricket traditions, this gesture carries important meaning.
The iconic white jacket is back! #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/qcPLDU93PJ
— ICC (@ICC) January 14, 2025
The winners wear the white jacket in the Champions Trophy as a symbol of achievement. Along with the trophy, each winning team is presented with white blazers during the post-match presentation. One iconic moment that stands out is when the Indian team, led by MS Dhoni, wore the white jackets while lifting the Champions Trophy in England in 2013 – a memory still cherished by many Indian fans.
Read More
Champions Trophy White Jacket: A ‘Badge of Honour’ for Champions
According to the ICC, the white jacket is a “badge of honour” that represents the players’ greatness and determination.
The white jacket is only for the Champions Trophy winners. Before the start of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy tournament, the International Cricket Council (ICC) highlighted this tradition in an advertisement released on January 14.
In the ad, former Pakistani star Wasim Akram showed off the tournament’s white jacket, with the words “ICC Champions Trophy” and “Pakistan” stitched in gold on the chest pocket.
“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—symbolizing 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.
The Origin of the Champions Trophy White Jacket Tradition
The tradition started in 2009, even though the first Champions Trophy was held in 1998. It was introduced when Australia won the tournament in South Africa.
Since then, it has become a signature part of every Champions Trophy. Some people think this Champions Trophy White Jacket tradition is inspired by customs from other sports, like the green jacket from golf’s Masters Tournament and the all-white outfits worn at Wimbledon in tennis.
What makes the Champions Trophy different from other cricket tournaments, like the Cricket World Cup, is the white jacket. It’s a unique symbol that gives the winning team something extra, beyond just lifting the trophy.
ALSO READ: Golden Badge for Kolkata Knight Riders: A New Tradition in IPL 2025
