Why do Champions Trophy winners wear the white blazer?
Players are not required to wear the blazer, but it remains a coveted prize for the champions.
KATHMANDU: India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title on Sunday, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai.
However, beyond the victory, the Indian cricket team also captured attention with their specially designed white blazers, which they wore even before lifting the trophy.
During the post-match presentation, Indian players donned white blazers featuring the Champions Trophy logo on the chest pocket, a tradition symbolizing the tournament’s ultimate honor.
This tradition, reminiscent of the iconic Green Jacket awarded to Masters Golf winners, has been in place since the 2009 edition held in South Africa.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had earlier unveiled the white blazer in a promotional video featuring legendary Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram. According to the ICC, the blazer represents prestige and respect for the tournament champions.
The Champions Trophy began in 1998, but the white blazer tradition was introduced in 2009. Australia, under Ricky Ponting’s captaincy, became the first team to wear it after defeating New Zealand in the final.
India first received the honor in 2013 after their thrilling five-run victory over England at Edgbaston. However, they missed out in 2017 when Pakistan crushed them by 180 runs in the final.
The ICC ensures that blazers are tailored in advance for both finalist teams, with the winning squad earning the right to wear them.
Players are not required to wear the blazer, but it remains a coveted prize for the champions.
With this latest triumph, India adds another chapter to its Champions Trophy history, having previously shared the 2002 title with Sri Lanka and won outright in 2013.
