Alec Stewart, Former England Captain, to Step Down as Surrey Director of Cricket by End of 2024
Former England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart has announced his departure from his role as Surrey’s director of cricket by the end of 2024. Stewart, who has served in this capacity for 11 years, played a pivotal role in Surrey’s success, including three County Championship victories during his tenure, the most recent of which was secured last summer.
In a statement released on the club’s website, Stewart expressed the difficulty of his decision, citing his desire to allocate more time to his family, particularly in light of his wife’s ongoing battle with cancer. Stewart, who also had a distinguished playing career, highlighted his unwavering commitment to Surrey and emphasized his dedication to ensuring the team’s continued success until his departure.
Despite stepping down from his current role, Stewart affirmed his continued support for the club and remained open to exploring other opportunities within the cricketing sphere. He reflected on his time at Surrey, expressing pride in the club’s achievements and its contributions to player development and talent pathway programs.
Surrey’s chief executive, Steve Elworthy, and chairman, Oli Slipper, lauded Stewart’s contributions to the club, acknowledging his instrumental role in driving success and fostering a culture of professionalism and dedication. Elworthy praised Stewart’s legacy and expressed gratitude for his immense impact on Surrey’s cricketing landscape.
Mark Church, Surrey commentator for BBC Radio London, reflected on Stewart’s remarkable tenure, highlighting his adaptability and leadership qualities. Church noted Stewart’s influence in attracting top talent to Surrey and credited him with navigating the team through challenging periods to achieve notable success in County Championships.
Stewart’s decision to step down resonated with understanding and respect from the cricketing community, with many acknowledging his invaluable contributions and wishing him well in his future endeavors. As Surrey prepares for a transition in leadership, Stewart’s legacy as one of the club’s greatest servants remains firmly intact.
