Craig Overton and Sophie Luff, the two standout performers from Somerset, were celebrated as the headline winners at the 2026 Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) awards, an event held in partnership with Toyota at Exhibition White City. Their triumphs were complemented by rising England talents Sonny Baker and Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, who also walked away with prestigious accolades.
Overton’s haul was nothing short of extraordinary. The all‑rounder collected a quartet of PCA trophies: the coveted PCA Men’s Player of the Year, the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP, the Rothesay County Championship Player of the Year, and a place in the IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year.
Over the course of the season, the 32‑year‑old amassed 951 runs, claimed 76 wickets and took 45 catches across first‑class, List A and Twenty‑20 formats, a statistical spread that underlines his consistency and versatility. His achievement marks the first time a Somerset cricketer has claimed the PCA Men’s Player of the Year since Nick Compton’s win in 2012, and he edged out a strong shortlist that featured the likes of Joe Clarke, George Hill and Dan Lawrence.
One of the highlights of Overton’s campaign was an unbeaten 79 in the Vitality Blast quarter‑final, a knock that propelled Somerset into the celebrated Finals Day. Reflecting on his success, Overton said, “It’s a phenomenal feeling. To be chosen by your peers to win this award is very special; it means so much to me.” He added that a series of steady performances had defined his year, noting, “My bowling ticked along and after I scored that hundred at Essex in the second game of the season my form with the bat carried on throughout the summer. The quarter‑final against Yorkshire was where I felt like this year is the one where everything’s going my way and everything clicked.” Overton also described his mental state, explaining that while the congested schedule prevented him from feeling 100 percent physically, he was in a strong mental groove that allowed him to deliver when matches arrived every other day.
Sophie Luff, the Somerset captain, completed the double for the county by winning the player‑voted Toyota PCA Women’s Player of the Year award. She becomes the first recipient of this particular honour since Eve Jones in 2021 who has not yet featured in international cricket. Luff’s season was marked by prolific run‑scoring – she exceeded the 1,000‑run milestone in the summer – and by a dominant display in The Hundred, where she helped the Trent Rockets claim the title.
Her performances also earned her a spot in the Metro Bank PCA Women’s Team of the Year. Speaking about her recognition, Luff said, “It’s super special people have voted for me after the performances and impact they feel I’ve had this year.
It means that I’m doing things in the right way, and people think highly of you. I’ve always been a leader that wants to lead from the front, but I think people are seeing that play out in games now. I think this year I’ve just showcased what I’m capable of.” The awards ceremony also highlighted emerging talent. The Toyota PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year accolade was presented to Hampshire’s Sonny Baker, who earned a Test debut against New Zealand at the Kia Oval.
At 21, Baker has already taken ten international wickets, including six in T20 Internationals, and his selection makes him the first Hampshire player to capture this award since the category’s inception in 1990. On the women’s side, left‑arm spinner Tilly Corteen‑Coleman was named the Toyota PCA Women’s Young Player of the Year. Corteen‑Coleman’s breakthrough season saw her earn both IT20 and ODI caps for England, while she also shone for Surrey and Southern Brave in The Hundred.
Veteran contributions were not overlooked. Former England captain Heather Knight received the PCA Outstanding Contribution Award, a tribute to her long‑standing dedication and influence within the sport. Additionally, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) presented its Special Merit Award to former England batter Tammy Beaumont, recognizing her distinguished international career and lasting impact on women’s cricket. The full roster of winners, spanning men’s and women’s categories, will be formally announced at the PCA Awards ceremony, a night that celebrates excellence across the English domestic game and highlights the partnership with Toyota that underpins the event.
The ceremony not only honors individual brilliance but also underscores the depth of talent flourishing within county cricket, from seasoned campaigners like Overton and Luff to the next generation represented by Baker and Corteen‑Coleman. As the season draws to a close, these accolades serve as a reminder of the hard work, skill and passion that drive the sport forward, and they set a benchmark for future performers aiming to leave their mark on the game.