As India celebrated their tournament win on Sunday, eyes did not just turn to the Champions Trophy that Rohit Sharma lofted into the Dubai sky.
Altogether more eye-catching were the set of white jackets worn by the Indian line-up, who beat New Zealand by four wickets to write their names into cricket, and indeed fashion’s, history books.
Handed out before the trophy ceremony, every player in the squad slipped into a tailor-made jacket with the tournament logo on the chest pocket.
The winning team get to keep their jackets for life, a special memento reminiscent of the famous green jacket awarded to the winner of golf’s Masters in Augusta.
Launching this year’s jacket with an elaborate video featuring Pakistan legend Wasim Akram watching a jacket being made, the ICC announced the fashion items are “the ultimate measure of greatness and determination.”
And not only that.
“The white jacket is a badge of honour adorned by champions,” they said. “The jackets embody the relentless pursuit for tactical brilliance, and a legacy that inspires generations.”
Also, they just look rather nifty.
When did the tradition begin and which teams have worn jackets?
Although the Champions Trophy was first played in 1998, the white jackets were not part of its winning offer until the sixth edition of the tournament, held in South Africa.
Ricky Ponting’s Australia were the first to be handed the prestigious white blazers after they beat New Zealand by six wickets in Centurion.
The next two tournaments were both held in England and Wales.
India got to don the jackets in 2013, beating England by just five runs at Edgbaston in a match that was reduced to 20 overs per side.
But Pakistan denied India a second set of fashionwear in 2017, beating their old rivals by a massive 180 runs at Lord’s.
How are the jackets fitted and what happens to the losing team?
The ICC do not expect players to put on jackets that do not fit.
Imagine the hulking Mohammed Shami trying to squeeze into a jacket that better suited the smaller Virat Kohli.
Instead a tailor is sent to each team that has reached the final in order to measure-up the players.
Steven Finn was part of the England squad in 2013 that came incredibly close to claiming their white jackets.
“The day before a tailor comes, measures you up for these jackets in this white silk material,” Finn told the Test Match Special podcast.
“In 2013 against India, we were on target to chase it down so the white jacket was very much in my sights.
“I need to get in touch with that tailor, maybe he can let it out a bit and I can wear it soon!”
Happy hunting, Steven – it’s certainly a striking look.
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