Sky Sports reporter Dan Bardell has shared his concern for Leeds United with a key star described as their biggest injury worry at Thorp Arch.

Leeds dealt fitness concerns with Farke cautiously hopeful

Following their first Championship defeat of the season against Burnley last weekend, with Basir Humphreys breaking Whites hearts in the dying seconds of added time, manager Daniel Farke must now prepare his side for their all-important clash at Cardiff City.

No Gnonto & "explosive" star unleashed in predicted Leeds lineup vs Cardiff

The possible starting XI that Daniel Farke could select for this Championship clash.

ByDan Emery Sep 20, 2024

The Yorkshire side are looking to secure Premier League promotion after narrowly missing out on a place in the top flight last term, having lost 1-0 to Southampton in their Championship play-off final back in May.

Leeds lost a host of players over the summer window as well, including star trio Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter, so Farke really cannot afford an injury crisis on top of this.

Cardiff City vs Leeds United

21 September

Leeds United vs Coventry City

28 September

Norwich City vs Leeds United

October 1

Sunderland vs Leeds United

October 4

Leeds United vs Sheffield United

October 18

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Cardiff, Farke revealed the players who have been suffering with a few problems in the build up to their trip to Wales.

“We had a few little knocks and hits and problems during this week. Rodon missed two training sessions due to some glute problems,” said Farke on Leeds team news.

“Junior Firpo was struggling a bit with his MCL, Manor Solomon with some back problems. Joe Rothwell rolled his ankle, a few concerns but I’m carefully optimistic all of them will be available. Biggest question mark is [Manor] Solomon. [Max] Wober back in training today, just a light session, we wait to see his body reacts.

“Patrick Bamford back in team training since last Tuesday. Like all the players he can’t wait to be involved again. He tries to earn his place back in the squad and he’s edging closer.”

While Farke is hopeful Manor Solomon will be available, the Israeli international has been described as a “major” doubt in the build up to this game (Adam Pope).

The Spurs loanee has impressed in parts since making the move to Elland Road from N17, with pundit Paul Robinson calling him “quality” and Leeds’ best signing of the summer window.

Solomon absence would be real "blow" for Leeds

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Sky journalist Bardell says potentially losing Solomon is a real worry for Leeds and would be a “blow”, and they cannot afford any more high-profile absences.

“Leeds are taking a few hits at the moment,” said Bardell.

“They can’t afford to be without too many players at one time and obviously they’ve lost a few attacking players. It’s a blow to lose Solomon because I’m not convinced they’ve got the squad depth at the moment to cover a mass of injuries. Losing two key players who play in the same position is a blow.“

The winger, valued at a sky-high £11 million by Transfermarkt, was out for the majority of the season in his debut campaign at Tottenham through injury – so supporters will be hoping he has better luck further north.

R Ashwin will play a County Championship match for Surrey – provided he gets the required work visa on time – before re-joining the Indian team. While Ashwin is in England already for the Test series that will start in August, he will need a work visa to play county cricket. Both parties are confident it will be done in time for the match starting July 11.The Indian squad is currently on a break before it gets back together to prepare for the five-match Test series against England starting August 4 with the Trent Bridge game. Ashwin will play against Somerset at The Oval, which will host the fourth Test of the series. Ashwin’s match against Somerset is scheduled to end on July 14, the day the India team reconvenes.As of now, India have no tour games scheduled before the Tests. They haven’t been big fans of side games in recent years because there had been a trend of hosts not wanting to help visitors out by giving them tough opposition to practise against. Barring Australia last year, where they got a game against a strong Australia A, India have tended to prefer intense nets sessions to side games.However, reports suggest that India have now made a late request for a tour game or two before they get to Nottingham for the first Test. India captain Virat Kohli didn’t seem pleased they didn’t get first-class games in preparation for the Tests. After India lost the World Test Championship final to New Zealand, a side that had already played two Tests in England before the final, Kohli made a cryptic statement that his side hadn’t got what it wanted.”Well, that doesn’t depend on us,” Kohli said in the post-match press conference when asked if he would have preferred to play side games instead of intra-squad matches. “We obviously wanted first-class games, which I believe have not been given to us. I don’t know what the reasons for that are. But yeah, other than that, I think our preparation time will be ample for us to be ready for the first Test.”In that regard, the experience of getting a full first-class match – at a venue that will host a Test – for Ashwin will be welcomed from India’s point of view. His skills come at a good time for Surrey too. Teams in the County Championship are permitted two overseas players in their XI, and while Surrey already have two registered in Hashim Amla and Kyle Jamieson, Jamieson is an injury doubt for the Somerset fixture after injuring his glute in the ongoing game against Hampshire, in which he bowled only six first-innings overs.Ashwin has represented Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire in the past.

The ICC, however, might not be able to do much in this case, because the approval has come from the home board, the PCB

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Aug-2021The BCCI has written to the ICC urging it to not recognise the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), the Pakistan domestic T20 tournament which is due to begin on August 6.On Saturday, the PCB expressed its unhappiness over what it considered the BCCI’s attempts to interfere in the PCB’s internal affairs. That was based on reports that the BCCI had been in touch with a number of other Full Members to try and prevent players from those countries from appearing in the league. Herschelle Gibbs, the former South Africa opener, who is expected to play in the league, said on Twitter that he had been threatened that he wouldn’t be allowed entry “into India for any cricket related work. Ludicrous.”Related

PCB vs BCCI over Kashmir Premier League

But it has emerged now that the BCCI had also reached out to the ICC. The basis of the BCCI’s complaint seems to centre around the status of Kashmir as disputed territory – and whether matches can be played in such territories – and its central place in the long-running dispute between the two countries. The status of Kashmir has been the cause of several wars between India and Pakistan from the moment India gained independence and Pakistan was created in 1947. Both countries control parts of the region but govern it separately. Political and diplomatic ties between the two countries have fluctuated over the years, and are currently going through a prolonged low.Relations between the two boards generally follow on from the political atmosphere of the day, and this latest spat will merely exacerbate an already strained relationship. The two sides have not played each other in a bilateral series since 2012-13 or a Test match since 2007-08, though they do face off regularly in ICC events.But there would appear to be little the ICC can do about this. Approval for such domestic leagues is given by the Full Member country in which the tournament is being played, and not the ICC, and the KPL has the PCB’s approval. There is also nothing in any ICC regulations about matches in disputed territories.The KPL is a six-team franchise-model league, PCB-approved, and to be played at the Muzaffarabad cricket stadium in Pakistan-administered Kashmir from August 6. Squads were selected in a draft last month and, according to the organisers, would be captained by Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal and Shadab Khan.The BCCI’s concern centres, however, on the foreign players signed up with the league, on the basis that international players turn the tournament into something more than just a domestic event and give it international legitimacy of sorts. Foreign players on the roster are retired and include Monty Panesar, Matt Prior, Phil Mustard, Tino Best, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Gibbs. Through conversations with several boards, the BCCI has made it clear that these players would be considered rebels and would be treated by them as would the participants of any unrecognised league.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke will be hoping to maintain his record of never going more than two seasons without a promotion from the Championship.

The German tactician won the second tier title in two of his three campaigns with Norwich City earlier in his career and is now in his second term in charge at Elland Road.

A defeat to Southampton at Wembley in the play-off final back in May, thanks to a strike from Adam Armstrong, stopped the manager from achieving promotion at the first time of asking.

His side finished third in the Championship during the regular season, just shy of Ipswich Town and Leicester City in the automatic promotion places, before beating Norwich in the semi-finals and losing to the Saints in the play-off final.

Farke was backed by the 49ers in the transfer market last summer as they allowed him to sign the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Joel Piroe, Ilia Gruev, and Glen Kamara to bolster his options across the park.

The German boss decided that he needed attacking reinforcements to add more of a goal threat to his side and the 49ers opted to snap up Piroe from Swansea.

Joel Piroe's form for Leeds

The Dutch forward was brought in from the Swans for a reported fee of £12m after he had racked up an eye-catching 46 goals in 96 appearances for the Welsh outfit.

He arrived at Elland Road as a proven Championship goalscorer, with 22 and 19 goals in the division in his two seasons with Swansea, and Leeds paid a sizeable fee to reflect that.

Unfortunately, Piroe’s goalscoring record took a hit in his first season in West Yorkshire. The left-footed attacker ended the campaign with a return of 13 goals and three assists in 45 appearances in the Championship.

This shows that he did not reach the same levels that he did during his two years in Wales, as he did not get near 20 goals in the league, whilst he also rarely provided quality as a creative threat.

The 25-year-old striker, who has also been deployed as an attacking midfielder by Farke, has started the 2024/25 season with one goal in five appearances in the second tier.

24/25 Championship	Joel Piroe
Appearances	5
Goals	1
Assists	1
Pass accuracy	70%
Ground duel success rate	36%
Aerial duel success rate	0%
Stats via Sofascore

Overall, Piroe has racked up 15 goals and four assists in 55 appearances for Leeds in all competitions since his £12m move from Swansea last year.

This shows that the centre-forward has not provided a reliable source of goals or assists for the Whites since his big-money move from Swansea.

Whilst the 49ers ultimately secured a deal to sign Piroe to bolster Farke’s attack last summer, the German head coach was reportedly interested in another forward, who has since flourished in Europe.

Leeds wanted Viktor Gyokeres

It was reported in the summer of 2023 that Leeds were battling it out with Portuguese giants Sporting to sign Coventry City centre-forward Viktor Gyokeres.

However, it was also claimed that it would be a very difficult deal for the Yorkshire-based outfit to get over the line, as they had just been relegated from the Premier League and Sporting could offer European football.

Farke wanted to bring the Sweden international to Elland Road to improve his attacking options after his impressive season in the second tier with Mark Robins’ side.

22/23 Championship	Viktor Gyokeres
Appearances	46
Goals	21
Big chances created	9
Assists	10
Key passes per game	2.1
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Swedish sensation caught the eye with his contributions as both a scorer and a creator of goals, with 31 goal contributions in 46 outings.

He helped the Sky Blues to reach the play-off final, which they lost on penalties to Luton Town, and their failure to earn promotion ultimately led to his move away from the CBS Arena.

Unfortunately, however, Leeds were unable to win the race for his signature as Sporting swooped to sign him for an initial fee of £17.5m, just over £5m more than the Whites ended up paying to snap up Piroe from Swansea later that summer.

Victor Gyokeres' current market value

Gyokeres recently confirmed, via Fabrizio Romano, that his release clause at Sporting is valued at a staggering €100m (£84m), which means that the Portuguese side could make a gigantic profit on the £17.5m they paid for the forward if that clause is activated.

When you consider the 26-year-old ace’s form over the last 13 months or so, it is easy to see why the club have placed a clause with that value in his contract, especially amid reported interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea during the recent summer transfer window.

The former Coventry star has produced a stunning 51 goals and 18 assists in 58 appearances in all competitions for Sporting since the start of last season, after a return of 43 in 116 for the Sky Blues.

23/24 + 24/25	Gyokeres (Liga Portugal)	Piroe (Championship)
Appearances	38	50
xG	30.82	13.54
Goals	37	14
Assists	11	4
Big chances created	13	3
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Gyokeres has significantly outperformed Piroe as both a scorer and a creator of goals over the last 13 months at league level.

The 26-year-old sensation has been prolific for Sporting, with 37 goals in 38 league matches, and clinical, outperforming his xG by just under seven goals.

These statistics show that Gyokeres has been a sensational signing, which is backed up by his market value and the quality of teams interested in bringing him back to England, for the Portuguese side.

Summerville rates him: Leeds academy star could be Ampadu 2.0 for Farke

Former Whites star Crysencio Summerville thinks the young gem is “really good”.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 17, 2024

Therefore, the 49ers may look back on last summer with regret as they were unable to land the striker for Farke, possibly due to his unwillingness to stay in the Championship or because of their reluctance to pay £17.5m for his services, although it remains unknown as to the exact reason why they went for Piroe instead.

Sussex duo Jordan and Salt have been targeted by Surrey and Lancashire respectively

George Dobell19-Aug-2021

Chris Jordan celebrates after removing Phil Salt•Getty Images

Concerns about the long-term impact of the Hundred on smaller clubs are likely to rise after it emerged that several players are being courted by hosting counties.ESPNcricinfo understands that Chris Jordan and Phil Salt (both Sussex) have been targeted by Surrey and Lancashire respectively. Jordan plays for Southern Brave, based at The Ageas Bowl and Salt for Manchester Originals (based at Emirates Old Trafford). There is also understood to be significant interest in Matt Critchley (Derbyshire and Welsh Fire) with Glamorgan believed to be one of those counties involved. In the case of Critichely, who is not out of contract, it is understood there is a buy-out clause – believed to be £30,000 – in the player’s contract.While none of the deals is currently understood to have been completed, the interest has raised alarm around the counties who fear the “unexpected consequences” (as one county official termed it), of the new competition. Specifically, they are concerned that the hosting clubs are using the income they gain from the competition – they get to keep a portion of ticket sales and the hospitality revenue alongside a staging fee – to make contract offers which the smaller counties cannot match. In the short-term, this suggests a talent drain towards the hosting venues; in the longer-term, it may raise questions about the viability of those smaller counties.At present there are eight Hundred hosting teams. It is anticipated this will grow to 10 in the next few years with Bristol and Durham looking best-placed to be added. But that will still leave eight first-class counties facing an unequal battle to compete with their better-resourced neighbours and, in the longer-term, perhaps facing an uncertain future.The situation has been complicated by a change in criteria surrounding the approach of contracted players. In recent years, clubs had to issue a 28-day notice of approach to the county that held the player’s contract before talking to any player who was out of contract at the end of the season. That rule has been discontinued and, while there are still regulations in place, it seems that counties are not entirely familiar with them and, as a result, have not always followed them as closely as might be expected. There is no suggestion of wrong-doing in the cases of Jordan, Salt or Critichely.It is understood the matter has been brought to the attention of the ECB by officials from the so-called smaller counties.

Looking ahead towards 2025, Manchester City are reportedly set to intensify their interest in a young goalkeeper who could replace current shot-stopper Ederson at The Etihad.

Man City transfer news

Whilst Rodri’s recent long-term injury has shifted the headlines towards just who Manchester City may turn to when it comes to replacing the Spaniard in the January transfer window, they’ve also got cause for concern over the future of Ederson. At 31 years old, the goalkeeper has two years left on his current deal and already attracted the reported interest of clubs in the Saudi Pro League during the summer before ultimately staying put.

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Pep Guardiola was very open with reporters when speaking about the Brazilian’s future in pre-season, saying via BBC Sport: “I’d like him to stay but it depends on other clubs. I don’t know the situation. There have been no contacts in the last days. It’s a question of training, being with us until the transfer window finishes and we’ll see.”

In the end, Guardiola got his wish, but the rumours may just have acted as a warning sign for City to begin their search for a future replacement in 2025. According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now set to intensify their interest in Lucas Chevalier, who recently kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory for LOSC Lille over Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe.

If there’s a way to impress on-watching clubs, then denying one of the best forward lines in European football is certainly among the desired options, and Chevalier did just that for his side. Still just 22 years old, the Frenchman is one for the future and a shot-stopper who could yet be on his way to stardom to replace Ederson at Manchester City. When 2025 arrives, he looks set to be one to watch.

"Talented" Chevalier could replace Ederson

Whether it’s in 2025 or at the end of his current contract in 2026, replacing Ederson will be an incredibly difficult task for Manchester City. The Premier League champions arguably won’t find a goalkeeper with better passing range or someone as daring as the Brazilian – two traits which stand out in Guardiola’s side. But that’s not to say Chevalier isn’t a solid candidate.

League stats 23/24 (via Fbref)

Lucas Chevalier

Ederson

Clean Sheets

15

10

Save Percentage

76.4%

70.7%

Saves per 90

2.76

1.81

Pass Completion Rate

77.1%

87.3%

On the shot-stopping front, it’s clear that Lille’s number one is more than ready to step up to the level of the Premier League champions. Predictably, however, Ederson is in a world of his own when it comes to distributing the ball in a trait that his potential replacement will have to discover if he is to arrive at The Etihad.

Dubbed “one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, Chevalier looks destined to reach the top, whether it’s courtesy of a move to Manchester City or elsewhere. The Cityzens, meanwhile, must keep an eye on Ederson’s long-term future at the club.

MatériaMais Notícias

Durante a apresentação do técnico Zé Ricardo e do gerente de futebol Carlos Brazil, o organograma do Vasco para a temporada 2022 foi divulgada. Nela, o nome de Eduardo Húngaro, como coordenador técnico, chamou atenção. O profissional conhece bem o clube e já trabalhou ao lado de Carlos Brazil. Isso mostra que o clube está apostando no entrosamento também entre as pessoas que comandarão o futebol no ano que vem.

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Depois do término da Série B, a direção de Jorge Salgado foi em busca de um nome para ser diretor-executivo e substituir Alexandre Pássaro, que deixou o clube. O clube chegou a sondar nomes comoAnderson Barros, Alexandre Mattos, Eduardo Freeland, Juninho Pernambucano e Jorge Macedo, porém não conseguiu finalizar a transação.

+ Confira a classificação final da série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

Dessa forma, Carlos Brazil, que voltou a clube para ser o gerente, assumiu de maneira interina o cargo e agradou a diretoria. Sendo assim, ele será mantido na função de executivo e tem trabalhado fortemente no mercado e auxiliado a todos na busca por reforços.

– A gente fez contatos para diretor. Não conseguimos. Tivemos dificuldades. Decorrido um tempo, fizemos contato com Brazil, veio e nas conversas sentimos que poderíamos iniciar o ano com ele como gerente geral de futebol. O Brazil conhece o clube. No decorrer do processo vamos analisar o que vai acontecer. Eventualmente trazer algum diretor. O que me deixa seguro é que no movimento inicial estamos percebendo sinergia muito grande entre Brazil, comitê e Zé Ricardo – comentou o presidente Jorge Salgado.

Dentro da nova estrutura, Eduardo Húngaro voltará a trabalhar com Carlos Brazil, uma dobradinha que aconteceu recentemente na base do Corinthians. Antes dessa decisão, o Vasco chegou a negociar com o ex-goleiro Fernando Prass, mas não houve acerto.

Além dele, outros nomes também foram confirmados. O auxiliar de Zé Ricardo seráCléber dos Santos, que dividirá a função comSandro Gomes e com Emilio Faro, ex-auxiliar de Jair Ventura no Botafogo.

+Apresentado, Zé Ricardo encara desafio com o Vasco na Série B como ‘A maior oportunidade da carreira’

Na preparação física,Fábio Eiras, que estava no Botafogo, assume.Daniel Crizel permanecerá à frente da preparação de goleiros eAlberto Quitete será seu auxiliar. Fábio Eiras, que estava no Botafogo, assume a preparação física do Vasco. Daniel Crizel segue na preparação de goleiros e terá Alberto Quitete como auxiliar.

Newcastle United are ready to return to Premier League action, travelling to Molineux on Sunday to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

With a frustrating summer behind them, the Magpies have started the campaign on strong footing, with seven points from nine available and a fifth-placed spot in the standings.

The road ahead is long and winding, and Newcastle need to build a strong run of form to restore their place among Europe’s elite. Wolves have not had the best of starts to the term but are coherent and resilient, and will present a tough test.

Newcastle team news

Newcastle had enjoyed the time off as international action took to the forefront, with Howe working on developing his side’s cohesion and fluency.

Fabian Schar is available again after suspension in a big boost given that Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles’ long-term injuries continue.

Howe has a newfound abundance of options to pick from, and he will hope that the woes of last season are gone. One of the main questions heading into Sunday’s clash is whether Sandro Tonali will be handed a starting berth, but he definitely should.

Why Howe must unleash Sandro Tonali

Tonali has made his return to Newcastle action this season, receiving his first slice of action during the second-round Carabao Cup victory over Nottingham Forest and coming off the bench during the emphatic win against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Having been suspended for ten months for breaches relating to betting in October 2023, last summer’s £55m signing from AC Milan has endured a testing point in his career, but brings style and technical flair to the Magpies’ centre and could be vital in unlocking a gritty Wolves defensive block.

Described as “incredibly gifted” by manager Roberto Mancini, the Italy international is a creative and enterprising midfielder who can seamlessly shift into a more defensive frame of mind, and he could be the perfect counterbalance to Bruno Guimaraes.

Minutes played

90′

90′

Goals

0

0

Assists

1

0

Touches

58

54

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

1 (1)

Accurate passes

32/46 (70%)

37/41 (90%)

Key passes

2

0

Dribbles (completed)

0 (0)

1 (1)

Tackles

3

2

Interceptions

1

2

Ground duels (won)

7 (5)

5 (4)

Tonali might even prove to be more effective than Joelinton in the engine room, with his precision and patience allowing him to unlock the Old Gold defence.

Joelinton is a raging bull of a midfielder, repackaged as a robust central figure after initially struggling as a striker at St. James’ Park. There’s much to like about the Brazilian but he’s erratic and has only won 38% of his ground duels this season, as per Sofascore, also counting his blessings after escaping a red card when pulling back former Cherries goalkeeper Neto last month.

Tonali demonstrated over the international break that he has the steeliness and interchangeability to adapt to the situation, and he must be unleashed tomorrow, helping his side toward the upper echelons of the Premier League.

Newcastle star was worth just £2m in 2023, now he's worth 1350% more

He’s soaring toward stardom…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 13, 2024

Joao Felix has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo still “dreams of winning the World Cup”, with Portugal determined to land that prize in 2026.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• CR7 has played at five World Cups
• Goal-scoring exploits have made history
• Intends to take in another shot at glory

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• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo first graced FIFA’s flagship event back in 2006. He was still going strong at Qatar 2022 and has become the first man to register a goal at five World Cup finals. More history could be made at the next event.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The United States, Canada and Mexico will be sharing hosting duties in 2026, with it possible that Ronaldo will make it to that tournament. He is preparing to turn 40, but would appear to still have plenty left in the tank as he continues to star for club and country.

• Getty
  

  WHAT JOAO FELIX SAID

  International colleague Felix, who is now at Premier League side Chelsea, has told of Al-Nassr superstar Ronaldo taking in another shot at landing an elusive trophy: “Yes, I think so and everything indicates that he will. He dreams of winning the World Cup, we will do everything we can to give him that prize. I think it is the only one he is missing.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Ronaldo’s best result at a World Cup was enjoyed at his first, when Portugal finished in fourth place. He has seen eternal rival Lionel Messi add that title to his collection, making European Championship winner CR7 even more determined to savour a success of his own.

The Mzansi Super League has been converted into a domestic T20 competition that will be played among eight top-tier teams

Firdose Moonda09-Sep-2021India’s scheduled tour of South Africa between December 2021 and January 2022 has been confirmed as the marquee international series in South Africa’s home calendar. India are due to play three Tests, three ODIs and four T20Is between December 26 and January 25, with Netherlands and Bangladesh also due to visit South Africa.South Africa and India last met in a bilateral series in March 2020 in India, for three ODIs, but after the first fixture was washed out, the series had to be called off altogether because of the Covid-19 outbreak. India then confirmed a three-match T20I series with South Africa – initially for August last year and then in September-October this year. But it hasn’t taken place yet, first because South Africa was experiencing its first wave of the pandemic and then because of the rescheduled IPL.South Africa’s international summer will get underway with three ODIs against Netherlands, which form part of the World Cup Super League, between November 26 and December 1. All three matches will be played in Centurion.This will be followed by India’s visit. After that South Africa are scheduled to travel to New Zealand for two Tests and three T20Is. The summer will conclude with three ODIs and two Tests against Bangladesh from March 18 to April 9.In January-February, West Indies Women will also visit to play three ODIs and five T20Is.South Africa men’s home internationals in 2021-22•ESPNcricinfo Ltd”It is probably the most congested home summer we have ever had,” CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith said. “As was the case last season we have had to centralise our international fixtures to comply with Covid protocols.”The ODI series against the Netherlands and Bangladesh form part of the Cricket World Cup Super League while the Test Series against India and Bangladesh form part of the World Test Championship which will provide greater context to our home international fixtures.”India A will also be touring for three four-day matches against South Africa A which will provide tough competition for our domestic cricketers as they bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.”This summer will also see South Africa launching a revamped domestic structure, which includes 15 provincial teams playing in two tiers, following the dissolution of the franchise system. The season will begin with a T20 knockout competition, which will take place from September 24 to October 22 and will include all 15 teams.The Mzansi Super League that was played in 2018 and 2019 but was called off last year has been converted into a domestic T20 competition that will be played among eight top-tier teams. The tournament will be played from February 7 to 28. Both tiers will play a first-class and one-day competition.