Somerset’s Craig Overton and Sophie Luff have been honoured as the Players’ Player of the Year in men’s and women’s categories respectively at the annual Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) Awards. The ceremony also recognised promising talent, with Somerset’s Sonny Baker and Surrey’s Tilly Corteen-Coleman scooping the young player accolades.
Despite Somerset narrowly missing out on the County Championship title to Warwickshire, Overton enjoyed a remarkable individual season. Amassing 734 runs, which included three centuries, alongside claiming 53 wickets, Overton’s performance was instrumental in Somerset’s path to Blast Finals Day and the Hundred finals. Reflecting on his achievements, Overton said, “It’s a phenomenal feeling… My form with the bat carried on throughout the summer.” Overton remains hopeful for an England recall, although he was overlooked for the series against Pakistan.
Sophie Luff, the Somerset captain, had a standout season after adapting to her new role as an opener. Leading the charts as the top run-scorer in both the T20 Blast and the One-Day Cup, Luff also contributed to Trent Rockets’ maiden victory in the Hundred. “It’s super special… I’ve probably unlocked something to bring the best out of me as a player,” Luff shared with satisfaction.
Sonny Baker’s prowess with both bat and ball earned him the men’s young player accolade. His season highlights included a Test debut for England and key contributions to Hampshire’s campaign as well as Manchester Super Giants’ triumph in the Hundred. “My Test debut was something I’ve been dreaming about since I started cricket at 11 years old,” expressed Baker.
At just 19, Tilly Corteen-Coleman impressed this summer, debuting for England in both ODI and T20 formats, and playing a crucial role in the Hundred. Eager for more, she remarked, “It’s a huge year next year… I’d love to be involved as much as possible.”
Recognition was also given to Heather Knight, who recently retired from international cricket, with the outstanding contribution award, while Tammy Beaumont took home the ECB’s special merit accolade. The PCA chief executive, Daryl Mitchell, emphasised the significance of the occasion, “Celebrating our dedicated, hard-working and inspiring players is always a privilege at the most prestigious awards ceremony in cricket.”
PCA Awards 2026 in partnership with Toyota:
– Men’s Player of the Year: Craig Overton
– Women’s Player of the Year: Sophie Luff
– Men’s Young Player of the Year: Sonny Baker
– Women’s Young Player of the Year: Tilly Corteen-Coleman
– Outstanding Contribution: Heather Knight
– ECB Special Merit: Tammy Beaumont
– Umpire of the Year: Ian Blackwell (men’s) and Gabi Brown (women’s)
