India’s success in the ICC Champions Trophy final on Sunday was more than simply another tournament victory; it was evidence of their increasing control of global cricket. When the Indian team walked forward sporting pristine white jackets, a tradition reserved for champions, the festivities gained a more symbolic feel as Rohit Sharma raised the sought-after trophy high into the Dubai sky. This moment in history was about more than just silverware, it was about ensuring India’s position among the best in the sport.
India won their third Champions Trophy by four wickets in an exciting final against New Zealand. Moreover, uncommon, their victory marks back-to-back ICC championships for the first time in history following their 2024 T20 World Cup victory. Having formerly won the 2013 Champions Trophy outright and tied the 2002 title with Sri Lanka, India now has three championship history wins.
The Story Behind the White Jackets from Champions Trophy
While the trophy is the ultimate symbol of cricketing success, the white jackets presented to the winning team are not without history. The tradition of presenting white jackets to the ICC Champions Trophy winners began back in 2009, and since then, it has been a fixture of the post-match festivities.
“The white jacket is a badge of honor worn by champions. It is a symbol of the relentless search for tactical excellence and a heritage that inspires generations. To win the white jacket means the effort of risking it all for the sake of triumph,” the ICC says on their site.
These jackets, created to be as elegant as they are prestigious, are carefully tailored to symbolize the majesty of the tournament. They were specifically created by Babita M of Mumbai, made from rich Italian wool, that provides them a luxurious texture. The ICC previously clarified, “The jacket will be white-colored with gold braiding aimed to make it stand out and create a bit of an edge on the jacket.” The uniquely commissioned tournament logo comes in embroidered cloth color with gold outline, maintaining its central focal point of view.
The launch of the white jackets in every edition is a day of thrill and pride for cricket enthusiasts. In the launch of the 2025 edition jackets, ex-Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram stated, “The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is the cream of the crop, and the launch of the white jacket, which is a representation of excellence, will now create the hype of the tournament around the global cricket fraternity.”
When did the custom start and who has worn the jackets?
Even though the ICC Champions Trophy first took place in 1998, the practice of commemorating the winners with white jackets began years later. The first side to be presented with the sought-after white blazers was Ricky Ponting’s Australia, which at Centurion, South Africa, defeated New Zealand in the 2009 final by six runs.
In 2013, four years after a contentious game against England, India at last could don the famous jackets. Rain substantially damaged the final, held at Edgbaston, and shortened it to 20 overs a side. In an exciting game, India just managed five runs over England to take their first Champions Trophy championship outright.
In 2017, India was missing a second set of jackets as Pakistan swept the last at Lord’s. Pakistan beat India by a huge 180 runs in one of the tournament’s most one-sided finals, thus guaranteeing that they would wear the white jackets for the year.
India’s win in Dubai this year once again has put them in the elite group of teams that have sported the famous white jackets, another splendid page in Indian cricket history.
The Symbolism of White Jackets in Sports
White jackets have a long history of symbolizing greatness in sports. There are other sporting events with similar customs of presenting special blazers, jackets, or robes to champions.
- In Golf, the Masters Tournament gives the champion a green jacket since 1949.
- In Boxing, winners tend to wear robes symbolizing their victories.
- In Tennis, the Wimbledon finalists have dressed in white kits as a tradition since the beginnings of the sport.
The ICC’s move to include white jackets in cricket is adding to this rich sporting history. It is behind the idea of providing the champions with something different to wear—a declaration of their superiority above and beyond holding up a trophy.
Custom Fit for Champions
To make sure that the jackets fit every player well, the ICC organizes a tailor to take measurements of all players from both teams that make it to the final. This way, whether their team wins or not, the team can directly slip into their jackets without concerns about sizing.
Former England bowler Steven Finn, a member of the losing 2013 England team who were defeated in the final by India, dropped an interesting statistic on the Test Match Special podcast about the jackets.
“Yesterday, there was this tailor, who comes and measures you up for the jackets in this white silk fabric. We were on course to pursue it down in 2013 against India, so this white jacket was firmly in my mind.”
Finn jokingly continued, “I must speak to that tailor—perhaps he can let it out a bit and I can wear it soon!”
This tale points out how the players on the losing team also fantasize about wearing the white jackets, adding to their prestige in cricket.
India’s Path to Victory for the Champions Trophy 2025
In terms of performance across the competition, India’s road to success in the 2025 Champions Trophy was outstanding. Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy the side showed superb batting, strong bowling, and strategic acumen.
The Men in Blue bested the group stages and brought their form into the knockout stages. One that has always been India’s most difficult opponent in ICC tournaments, they faced a powerful New Zealand side in the final.
This time, India turned things notwithstanding New Zealand’s past of winning India in crucial ICC finals—including the 2000 Champions Trophy final and the 2021 World Test Championship final. In a clinical performance, they won the game by four wickets and got the white jackets and the trophy.
Fans and Players’ Reactions
The vision of Indian players walking onto the podium in their white jackets was greeted with praise from cricket enthusiasts across the globe. Social media was filled with congratulatory tweets and praise for the team’s success.
Several icons also had their say on India’s victory,all-round. tweeted:
NARENDRA MODI (Prime Minister of India)
An exceptional game and an exceptional result!
Proud of our cricket team for bringing home the ICC Champions Trophy. They’ve played wonderfully through the tournament. Congratulations to our team for the splendid all round display.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2025
SACHIN TENDULKAR (Former cricketer)
Champions Trophy CHAMPION…. Yeeeeehhhhh…. 😊🇮🇳
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 9, 2025
Yuvraj Singh (Former cricketer)
What a game and what a final! The Champions Trophy comes home 🏆 Outstanding captaincy by hitman @ImRo45 who led from the front all thru the tournament – he is blessed with the Midas touch ✨ when it comes to ICC white ball tournaments! Successful games for @ShreyasIyer15…
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) March 9, 2025
SONU SOOD (Actor)
Champions Ki Fateh 🏆💙
Congratulations our heroes.
#champions #championstrophy2025#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/9b1yIKVMtW— sonu sood (@SonuSood) March 9, 2025
India’s recent victory in the ICC Champions Trophy not only solidifies their heritage in international cricket but also rekindles a revered tradition—the wearing of the white jackets. First unveiled in 2009, this emblem of perfection still motivates cricketers to reach their full potential.
For Team India, this victory is another golden chapter in the history of Indian cricket. White jackets will now be a memory to cherish the strength, cooperation, and sheer determination of Indian cricket to turn things around in moments of desperation.
As the cricketing fraternity now awaits the next installment of the tournament, one thing is sure—the battle for the next batch of white jackets will be as hot as ever.
