Craig Overton and Sophie Luff, the dynamic Somerset duo, emerged as the headline winners at the 2026 Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) Awards, an event held in partnership with Toyota at the Exhibition White City venue. Their triumphs were complemented by rising England talents Sonny Baker and Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, who also walked away with prestigious accolades. Overton enjoyed a remarkable night, sweeping a quartet of PCA honours. He was named the PCA Men's Player of the Year, claimed the PCA Men's Domestic Overall MVP award, received the Rothesay County Championship Player of the Year trophy, and earned a place in the IG PCA Men's Team of the Year.
The 32‑year‑old all‑rounder has been a force across all three formats this season, amassing 951 runs, taking 76 wickets and completing 45 catches. His all‑round performance marks him as the first Somerset cricketer to capture the top PCA award since Nick Compton achieved the feat in 2012.
Overton edged out a strong shortlist that included 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 continued, "Consistent performances have made this a great year. My bowling has been on track and after that hundred at Essex early in the season, my batting form continued throughout the summer. The quarter‑final against Yorkshire felt like the moment everything clicked for me." He added that, despite the demanding schedule, he felt mentally in a good place: "I wasn't 100 per cent physically because of the fixture congestion, but mentally I was in a groove that allowed me to perform whenever a game came around, often with just a day or two between matches." Sophie Luff, Somerset's captain, completed the club's double by winning the player‑voted Toyota PCA Women's Player of the Year award.
Luff becomes the first recipient of this particular honour since Eve Jones in 2021 who has not yet featured in international cricket. Her stellar county season, coupled with a standout campaign in The Hundred where she helped the Trent Rockets claim the title, also earned her a spot in the Metro Bank PCA Women's Team of the Year. Luff, also 32, expressed her delight: "It's super special that people have voted for me based on the performances and impact I’ve had this year.
It shows I’m doing things the right way and that I’m respected by my peers." She highlighted her leadership philosophy, noting, "I’ve always wanted to lead from the front, and this year I think people have really seen that in action. I’ve showcased what I’m capable of on a consistent basis." The ceremony also recognised emerging talent. The Toyota PCA Men's Young Player of the Year award was presented to Hampshire and England fast‑bowling prospect Sonny Baker. At just 21, Baker has already earned a Test debut against New Zealand at the Kia Oval and has taken ten international wickets, including six in T20 Internationals.
His achievement marks the first time a Hampshire player has claimed the young player award since the category was introduced in 1990. On the women's side, left‑arm spinner Tilly Corteen‑Coleman was honoured as the Toyota PCA Women's Young Player of the Year. Corteen‑Coleman broke into the England set‑up this year, making her debut in both T20 Internationals and ODIs, while also impressing for Surrey and the Southern Brave in The Hundred. Former England captain Heather Knight received the PCA Outstanding Contribution Award, a testament to her long‑standing dedication and service to the game.
In addition, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) presented its Special Merit Award to former England batter Tammy Beaumont, recognizing her illustrious international career and the impact she has had on women's cricket. The PCA Awards, supported by Toyota, highlighted the breadth of talent across English cricket, from seasoned veterans to rising stars, and underscored Somerset's prominent role in this year's celebrations.
The full roster of winners was slated for announcement during the ceremony, cementing a memorable night for players, coaches and fans alike.