Islamabad United, the inaugural champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), recently found themselves under hot waters after they unveiled their new jerseys for the upcoming tournament.
With much fanfare, Islamabad United introduced three distinct kits on their social media platforms: the Red Hot Original, Red Hot – Alternate (away kit), and Red Hot – Bold (training kit), igniting excitement among their legion of fans worldwide.
🚨 Meet the squad’s new battle gear!
🔵🔴 Red Hot – Alternate for away games.
🎨🔥 Red Hot – Bold for practice sessions.
Pre-Order Now: https://t.co/0yGCs6fvZQ#UnitedWeWin #HBLPSL9 #BeBoldBeLoud #RedHotSquad🦁 pic.twitter.com/XIKn4iSBCD
— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) February 4, 2024
However, the jersey reveal wasn’t without its share of controversy. Some eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed striking similarities between Islamabad United’s designs and football kits, sparking accusations of imitation.
The “Red Hot – Alternate” jersey bore a resemblance to the attire of the German football club RB Leipzig, prompting fans to raise eyebrows at the uncanny likeness.
PSL🇵🇰 team Islamabad United have copied RB Leipzig's away kit 👕😬 pic.twitter.com/YFxOAjMKxU
— SportsGully (@thesportsgully) February 5, 2024
Similarly, critiques pointed out the striking semblance between Islamabad United’s “Red Hot – Bold” jersey and the iconic Paris Saint-Germain kit, designed by a young artist.
At least give the young designer @danyi_lukas some credit for essentially stealing his FIFA 20 Volta Kit design. https://t.co/AOFzJDkIpM pic.twitter.com/ORr56wMmXI
— Prince 🇮🇪🇵🇰🇦🇫 (@AzzyShahzzy) February 4, 2024
Meanwhile, the “Red Hot – Original” jersey was found to be copied from the England cricket team’s old jersey.
Who is looking better in this shirt? Naseem Shah or Ben Stokes? Tell me honestly ❤️#HBLPSL9 #PSL2024 @IsbUnited @englandcricket pic.twitter.com/aazxHQioht
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 4, 2024
The accusations of copying stirred up a storm on social media platforms, with fans expressing mixed reactions to the new jerseys.
Wtf😂 CopyCat United https://t.co/jBHpYuEU0E pic.twitter.com/FWoRsEXo2X
— Awais 🇵🇰 (@awaiskh_) February 4, 2024
Haha oh dear as much as I like Islamabad – their kit designer needs to go and hide in a dark corner somewhere 😂 https://t.co/vYG190nJxL
— AmerCric 🏏 ✍️ (@Amermalik12) February 4, 2024
islamabad united stole their kit designs from english football teams & naseem unveiled their kit. pic.twitter.com/JTNqMHmJAk
— MUSKAN 🇵🇰 (@Musskey) February 4, 2024
Shameless England Copy Islamabad United kit #psl2024#cheapcopy #IslamabadUnited @IsbUnited pic.twitter.com/nooU5SnFvd
— Ok but not Ok (@abdulla_ahmdani) February 5, 2024
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