India’s Champions Trophy Triumph: Why Does Winning Team Wear White Jackets

As India celebrated their tournament triumph on Sunday, attention was drawn not only to the Champions Trophy that Rohit Sharma proudly lifted into the Dubai sky.

Far more eye-catching, however, were the crisp white jackets sported by the Indian squad, who secured victory over New Zealand by four wickets, cementing their place in both cricket and fashion history.

Handed out before the trophy presentation, each player in the winning team donned a tailor-made jacket featuring the tournament logo on the chest pocket, reported BBC.

The victorious side keeps these jackets for life-a cherished memento akin to the prestigious green jacket awarded to the winner of golf's Masters in Augusta.

This year's edition was launched with an elaborate promotional video featuring Pakistan legend Wasim Akram observing the meticulous craftsmanship behind the jackets. The ICC described them as "the ultimate measure of greatness and determination."

And that's not all.

"The white jacket is a badge of honour adorned by champions," they declared.

"The jackets embody the relentless pursuit of tactical brilliance and a legacy that inspires generations."

Moreover, they certainly make for a stylish addition to any wardrobe.

When Did the Tradition Begin and Which Teams Have Worn the Jackets?

Although the Champions Trophy was inaugurated in 1998, the iconic white jackets were not introduced until the sixth edition of the tournament, held in South Africa.

Ricky Ponting's Australian side were the first to receive the esteemed white blazers after their six-wicket victory over New Zealand in Centurion.

The next two tournaments took place in England and Wales.

India had the honour of donning the jackets in 2013 after edging past England by just five runs in a rain-affected final at Edgbaston, which was reduced to 20 overs per side.

However, Pakistan prevented India from claiming a second set of the coveted jackets in 2017, securing a resounding 180-run victory over their arch-rivals at Lord's.

How Are the Jackets Fitted, and What About the Losing Team?

The ICC ensures that players receive jackets tailored to their measurements-after all, one can hardly expect the towering Mohammed Shami to squeeze into a jacket designed for the more compact Virat Kohli.

To avoid such mishaps, a tailor is dispatched to each finalist team ahead of the match to take precise measurements.

Former England fast bowler Steven Finn was part of the squad that came agonisingly close to winning the jackets in 2013.

"The day before the final, a tailor arrives, measures you up for these jackets made from this white silk material," Finn recalled on the "Test Match Special" podcast.

"In 2013 against India, we were on course to chase the target, so the white jacket was very much in my sights. I need to track down that tailor-perhaps he can adjust it so I can wear one soon!"