Craig Overton and Sophie Luff, the dynamic Somerset duo, were the stars of 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 each walked away with prestigious young‑player accolades. Overton enjoyed a remarkable night, sweeping four major honours. He was named PCA Men's Player of the Year, captured 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 finished the season with an impressive statistical ledger: 951 runs, 76 wickets and 45 catches across first‑class, one‑day and T20 formats. His achievements marked the first time a Somerset cricketer had claimed the top PCA prize since Nick Compton’s win in 2012, and he edged out a strong shortlist that featured 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, a knock that propelled Somerset into the highly anticipated 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 how consistency underpinned his season: "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 and everything was going my way." He added that, despite the demanding schedule, he managed to find a mental groove that allowed him to perform almost every other day. Somerset’s captain, Sophie Luff, completed the club’s double by winning the player‑voted Toyota PCA Women’s Player of the Year award.
Luff became the first recipient of this particular honour since Eve Jones in 2021 who had not yet played international cricket. Her season was a tour de force: she amassed more than 1,000 runs, starred for her county throughout the campaign, and shone in The Hundred, where she helped the Trent Rockets claim the title. Luff’s performances also earned her a place in the Metro Bank PCA Women’s Team of the Year. Speaking after the ceremony, the 32‑year‑old said, "It’s super special that people have voted for me after the performances and impact they feel I’ve had this year.
It means I’m doing things the right way and that people think highly of me. I’ve always wanted to lead from the front, and this year I think I’ve finally shown what I’m capable of." The young‑player awards highlighted the next generation of English talent. Hampshire’s Sonny Baker, a 21‑year‑old left‑arm spinner, was named Toyota PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year.
His accolade came with the reward of a Test debut for England against New Zealand at the Kia Oval. Baker has already taken ten international wickets, including six in T20 Internationals, and he became the first Hampshire player to win the award since its inception in 1990.
On the women’s side, Tilly Corteen‑Coleman earned the Toyota PCA Women’s Young Player of the Year title after an impressive season that saw her break into England’s IT20 and ODI squads. Playing for Surrey and Southern Brave in The Hundred, Corteen‑Coleman demonstrated her all‑round abilities and quickly established herself as a promising future star.
The evening also honoured long‑standing contributions to the game. Former England captain Heather Knight received the PCA Outstanding Contribution Award, a recognition of her sustained dedication, leadership and influence on English cricket over many years.
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) presented its Special Merit Award to former England batter Tammy Beaumont, celebrating her illustrious international career and the impact she has had on women’s cricket. The PCA Awards, backed by Toyota, continue to celebrate excellence across all levels of the sport, from seasoned professionals to emerging youngsters.
The full roster of winners, including additional category recipients, will be formally announced later in the ceremony, underscoring the depth of talent and commitment present within English cricket today.