On January 14, the International Cricket Council (ICC) released a promo for the Champions Trophy 2025 where Pakistan legend Wasim Akram unveiled the tournament's white jacket. The white jackets, with the ICC Champions Trophy as well as the name of the hosts Pakistan written in golden lettering on the chest pocket, will be worn by the winners of the tournament.

“The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy represents the best of the best and the unveiling of the white jacket, which symbolizes greatness, will now build the excitement of the event across the global cricket community. Next month’s Champions Trophy will see the strongest team win the tournament, as every game is a pressure game and there is no chance for any team to have a break,” said the 1992 World Cup winner.

Why do the winners wear the white jacket in the Champions Trophy?

Along with the trophy, each Champions Trophy winning squad is presented with white blazers in the presentation ceremony.

The iconic image of the Indian team, led by MS Dhoni, all adorned in white jackets while lifting the Champions Trophy in England in 2013 is still alive in the minds of most Indian fans. According to ICC, the white jacket is a “badge of honour” that sums up the measure of greatness and determination of players.

“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,” an ICC statement said.

“The white jacket is a badge of honour adorned by champions. The jackets embody the relentless pursuit for 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 white jackets which are worn enthusiastically in the post-match celebrations after winning the final add a unique flavour which is distinct to this tournament’s rich history. As a result, it is an added incentive for the competing players to give their all on the field and for all the teams to reach greater heights.

Although the first ICC Champions Trophy was held in 1998 in Bangladesh, the white blazers were first seen during the 2009 edition of the tournament which was won by Australia in South Africa. Since then, it has been a part of every single edition of this competition.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will begin on 19 February with Pakistan and United Arab Emirates co-hosting the tournament. The final will be played on March 9 and Pakistan are the defending champions, having beaten India to the top prize in 2017.

India and Australia are the only two countries to have won the ICC Champions Trophy on multiple occasions.

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