Craig Overton and Sophie Luff, the dynamic duo from Somerset, emerged as the headline winners at the 2026 Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) Awards, an event hosted in partnership with Toyota at the Exhibition White City venue. Their triumphs were complemented by rising England prospects Sonny Baker and Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, who also walked away with prestigious accolades. Overton’s night was nothing short of historic. The all‑rounder swept a quartet of awards: he was named PCA Men’s Player of the Year, captured the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP title, received the Rothesay County Championship Player of the Year honour, and earned a place in the IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year.
The 32‑year‑old’s season statistics underscore the breadth of his contribution – 951 runs, 76 wickets and 45 catches across first‑class, one‑day and T20 formats. This achievement marks the first time a Somerset player has taken home the PCA Men’s Player of the Year award since Nick Compton’s victory in 2012, and Overton edged out a strong shortlist that featured the likes of Joe Clarke, George Hill and Dan Lawrence. In addition to his award haul, Overton delivered a memorable unbeaten 79 in the Vitality Blast quarter‑final, steering Somerset into the climactic 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 went on to explain that consistency had been the cornerstone of his campaign: “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 felt like the moment everything clicked.” Overton added that, despite the grueling schedule, he found a mental groove that allowed him to perform day after day. Sophie Luff, Somerset’s captain, completed the county’s double by clinching the player‑voted Toyota PCA Women’s Player of the Year award. She became the first recipient of this particular honour since Eve Jones in 2021 who had not yet represented England at senior level. Luff’s season was a tour de force: she amassed more than 1,000 runs across county cricket and The Hundred, where she helped the Trent Rockets claim the title.
Her performances also earned her a place in the Metro Bank PCA Women’s Team of the Year. Speaking after the ceremony, Luff remarked, “It’s super special that 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.” At 32, Luff emphasised her leadership philosophy, noting, “I’ve always been a leader that wants to lead from the front, and I think people are seeing that play out in games now. This year I’ve just showcased what I’m capable of.” The young‑player categories highlighted the next generation of English talent.
Hampshire’s left‑arm spinner Sonny Baker was named Toyota PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year, a distinction that came with a Test debut against New Zealand at the Kia Oval. The 21‑year‑old has already taken ten international wickets, including six in the T20 International arena, and his award marks the first time a Hampshire player has claimed this accolade since its inception in 1990.
On the women’s side, Tilly Corteen‑Coleman earned the Toyota PCA Women’s Young Player of the Year award after a breakthrough season that saw her debut in both T20 Internationals and ODIs for England. Her domestic exploits for Surrey and the Southern Brave in The Hundred further cemented her reputation as a rising star. Former England captain Heather Knight was honoured with the PCA Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising her long‑term dedication and service to the sport.
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) presented its Special Merit Award to former England batter Tammy Beaumont, celebrating her distinguished international career. The PCA Awards, backed by Toyota, not only celebrated individual brilliance but also underscored Somerset’s pivotal role in English cricket this season. With Overton and Luff leading the charge, the county demonstrated that excellence can be achieved across both men’s and women’s games.
Their achievements, alongside those of the emerging England talents, set a high benchmark for the coming years and promise an exciting future for the sport. The full roster of award winners will be revealed during the ceremony, cementing the 2026 PCA Awards as a landmark moment in the cricketing calendar.