When India celebrated their grand tournament victory on Sunday, it wasn't only the Champions Trophy that was in the spotlight. The white jackets of the Indian players were equally attention-grabbing!

Following their victory over New Zealand by four wickets, the team was gifted custom-made white jackets with the logo of the tournament. All players in the team received one, making the occasion even more memorable. The jackets are not merely for the ceremony—every player is allowed to keep their own forever, similar to the iconic green jacket awarded to the champions of the Masters golf tournament.

When did this tradition begin?

Although the Champions Trophy started in 1998, the white jackets were only introduced in 2009. Australia, with Ricky Ponting as captain, was the first team to use them after beating New Zealand in the final match in South Africa.

The following two tournaments were hosted in England and Wales. India received their first white jackets in 2013 when they defeated England in a close game at Edgbaston. But in 2017, Pakistan prevented India from receiving a second set when they won the Lord's final by a whopping 180 runs.

How are the jackets made to fit?

The ICC ensures that each player is provided with a perfectly fitting jacket. A tailor comes to both teams before the final match to take their measurements. This ensures players don't end up with jackets that are too loose or too tight!

Steven Finn, a former England player who appeared in the 2013 final, remembered how close he was to receiving one.

"Yesterday, there's a tailor who comes, takes your measurements for these jackets in this white silk fabric," Finn revealed on the Test Match Special podcast.

"Against India in 2013, we were on track to run it down, so the white jacket was firmly in my sights. I must try and contact that tailor, perhaps he can let it out slightly and I can wear it in the near future!"

Bad luck for Finn, though, as England came up five runs short of being able to don the special jackets.

What becomes of the losing team?

While the victors are able to bring their jackets home as a keepsake, the losing team is not afforded the same privilege. Although they were fitted for jackets prior to the game, only the champions are able to wear them.

So the next time you spot a team celebrating in white jackets, you'll know—they've earned their place in cricket history!

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