Overton and Luff lead Somerset sweep at 2026 PCA Awards

Craig Overton and Sophie Luff have headlined the winners at the 2026 PCA Awards, held at Exhibition White City. The Somerset duo secured the evening’s most prestigious titles in a ceremony sponsored by Toyota, while emerging England internationals Sonny Baker and Tilly Corteen-Coleman also collected significant honors.

Overton achieved a rare quadruple, clinching the PCA Men’s Player of the Year, the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP, the Rothesay County Championship Player of the Year, and a spot in the IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year. The 32-year-old all-rounder accumulated 951 runs, 76 wickets, and 45 catches across all formats this season. He becomes the first Somerset player to win the men’s player award since Nick Compton in 2012, overcoming shortlisted rivals Joe Clarke, George Hill, and Dan Lawrence.

Reflecting on his success, Overton highlighted the importance of peer recognition. “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 said. He credited consistent performances throughout the year, noting that his batting form improved after scoring a century against Essex early in the season. Overton identified the Vitality Blast quarter-final against Yorkshire as a pivotal moment where his skills and mindset aligned.

Luff completed a Somerset double by winning the player-voted Toyota PCA Women’s Player of the Year. She is the first recipient of the award since 2021 who has not played international cricket, breaking the streak of former England players. Recognized for her impact with both Somerset and Trent Rockets, where she won The Hundred, Luff was also named to the Metro Bank PCA Women’s Team of the Year. She scored over 1,000 runs this summer, edging out nominees Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, and Mady Villiers.

“It’s super special people have voted for me after the performances and impact they feel I’ve had this year,” Luff said. “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.”

In the youth categories, Hampshire’s Sonny Baker took the Toyota PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year award. The 21-year-old also received a Test debut against New Zealand at the Kia Oval. Baker claimed 10 international wickets, including six in T20Is, and is the first Hampshire player to win the award since its inception in 1990.

Left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman was named the Toyota PCA Women’s Young Player of the Year. The Surrey and Southern Brave cricketer earned T20I and ODI caps for England this year.

Other honorees included former England captain Heather Knight, who received the PCA Outstanding Contribution Award for her long-term dedication to the sport, and ex-England batter Tammy Beaumont, who was presented with the ECB Special Merit Award. Ian Blackwell and Gabi Brown were named PCA Umpire of the Year for the men’s and women’s games, respectively.