Kira Chathli has been named as the Surrey 50-over captain, taking over from Bryony Smith, who will remain T20 and Club captain.
The appointment comes one year into Surrey Women’s new era of professional cricket, with the side having reached the semi-final of the Metro Bank One Day Cup in the team’s inaugural season.
Smith led the side to victory in the Women’s Vitality Blast and will continue to do so in 2026. After setting the tone for the side in 2025, the move will allow Smith to focus her efforts on the shorter format and lead the Club in her continued role as the Women’s Club Captain.
Chathli has played her county age group cricket for Surrey since the age of nine. During the games regional structure, Chathli represented the South East Stars whilst continuing to play county cricket for Surrey, having made her senior debut at 14.
Chathli was a part of the first capped squad in the new era of women’s professional cricket and worked closely with Smith in 2025 as her vice-captain across both formats.
In 2025, the wicket-keeper batter had an excellent season with the bat and behind the stumps, scoring over 600 runs. In the 2025 edition of the Hundred, she scored 220 runs across nine matches representing the London Spirit.
Chathli will lead Surrey out for the first time at Edgbaston on Saturday 11 April, before skippering the side at the Kia Oval on Wednesday 15 April.
Emma Calvert, Director of Women’s Cricket said, “Bryony is an outstanding leader and has been ever since taking charge at the South East Stars. This is a chance for Bryony to now focus on the shortened format and opens up a fantastic opportunity for Kira to take the lead in the 50-over competition.
“During her time as Vice-Captain, Kira has demonstrated all the attributes of a fine leader and we’re excited to see what Kira will do with the side. I have no doubt she will continue to thrive in her new position.”
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.”
Kira Chathli spoke on her appointment and 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 during the Metro Bank this season.
“I want to thank Mybs (Johann) and Emma for their trust in me, and the learnings I have taken from Bry to succeed as captain.
“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.”
