Surrey have named Kira Chathli as their captain for the 50-over format ahead of the 2026 One Day Cup campaign. The move marks a new leadership phase for the side, while Bryony Smith will continue to lead the team in T20 cricket as they aim to defend their Blast title.
The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Southwark has been part of the county setup since making her debut in 2013. Over the years, Chathli has established herself as an important member of the squad, notably playing a decisive role in Surrey’s London Cup triumph over Middlesex in 2020 with an unbeaten 28 that featured inventive scoop shots. Her experience in List A cricket and reliable work behind the stumps have contributed to her appointment.
Chathli’s performances have shown steady progression, including a return of 251 runs from four six matches for South East Stars in 2024. Although she endured a quieter spell last season, scoring 230 runs across 14 innings, the responsibility of captaincy is seen as an opportunity to further elevate her game and influence within the team.
Speaking on her appointment, Chathli said, “Having started my journey with the Club as a nine-year-old, it’s a huge honour to be named as a Surrey captain and I can’t wait to lead the team… We have a lot of talent in our squad, and I can’t wait for the team to show what they can do. It’s going to be an exciting season.”
Smith, who is stepping aside from leadership duties in the 50-over format, will remain in charge of the T20 side. Surrey enter the season as defending champions in the shorter competition, and the change allows Smith to concentrate on her role in that format while maintaining continuity in the squad’s leadership structure.
Bryony Smith said, “Leading the team in the first year as a fully pro side has been a real honour and I’m so proud of everything that we achieved. It was a difficult decision to step back from leading the team in all competitions, but I think it is the right call to allow me to focus on my captaincy in the T20 competition and my own game across all formats.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Kira in this new role. Her passion for the team and her dedication to the game is second to none. She will serve the girls well. Kira and I have worked closely for the past few years, and I feel as though now is the right time to pass on the baton, I will continue to be a sounding board for Kira and offer support and advice whenever it’s needed.”
Surrey’s One Day Cup 2026 campaign begins with an away fixture against Edgbaston on April 11, followed by their first home match against Yorkshire at the Kia Oval on April 15. The schedule also includes additional Oval contests against teams such as Durham, Essex, and Lancashire, offering Chathli a busy run of matches to establish momentum in her new role.
The decision to entrust Chathli with the captaincy underlines Surrey’s confidence in developing homegrown leadership at a time when women’s domestic cricket continues to grow in prominence. Her composure behind the stumps will now be tested in guiding the side through the demands of the 50-over format.
