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 the recognition of rising England talents Sonny Baker and Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, who also walked away with prestigious accolades. Overton’s haul was nothing short of spectacular.
The all‑rounder captured a quartet of PCA honours: he was named PCA Men’s Player of the Year, earned the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP title, was crowned Rothesay County Championship Player of the Year, and secured a place in the IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year. Across the three formats this season, the 32‑year‑old amassed 951 runs, claimed 76 wickets and took 45 catches, a statistical blend that underlines his impact on both bat and ball.
His achievement marks the first time a Somerset player has taken home the top award since Nick Compton did so in 2012, and he edged out a strong shortlist that featured the likes of Joe Clarke, George Hill and Dan Lawrence. One of Overton’s most memorable moments came in the Vitality Blast quarter‑final, where he produced an unbeaten 79 to propel Somerset into the coveted 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 was where I felt like this year is the one where everything’s going my way and everything clicked.” He added that, despite the relentless schedule, he felt mentally prepared to perform whenever the team needed him, describing a groove where his body and mind were aligned for peak performance. Sophie Luff, Somerset’s captain, completed the county’s double by winning 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 the senior level. Luff’s season was a showcase of consistency and leadership; she accumulated over 1,000 runs across all competitions, including a standout performance in The Hundred where she helped the Trent Rockets claim the title. Her contributions earned her a place in the Metro Bank PCA Women’s Team of the Year as well.
Speaking about her accolade, 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 also 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. At just 21, Baker has already made his Test debut for England against New Zealand at the Kia Oval and has taken 10 international wickets, including six in T20 Internationals.
His achievement is historic for Hampshire, as he becomes the first player from the county to capture the Young Player 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 award after a breakthrough season that saw her debut in both T20 Internationals and One‑Day Internationals for England. Her performances for Surrey and Southern Brave in The Hundred were instrumental in her receiving the honour, underscoring her rising profile on the international stage.
Former England captain Heather Knight was honoured with the PCA Outstanding Contribution Award, a testament to her long‑standing dedication and influence within the sport. Knight’s leadership, both on and off the field, has left an indelible mark on English cricket, and the award recognises her sustained commitment over many years. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) also presented its Special Merit Award to former England batter Tammy Beaumont.
Beaumont’s distinguished international career, highlighted by prolific run‑scoring and numerous match‑winning innings, made her a fitting recipient of this accolade. Overall, the 2026 PCA Awards celebrated a blend of seasoned excellence and emerging promise. Overton and Luff’s dual triumphs highlighted Somerset’s strength across both men’s and women’s cricket, while the young award winners signalled a bright future for England’s national sides.
The full roster of winners was announced during the ceremony, underscoring the depth of talent and dedication present within the English game today.