Somerset Duo Secure Premium Honours At PCA Awards

PCA Awards 2026 in partnership with Toyota:

• Men’s player of the year: Craig Overton (Shortlisted: Joe Clarke, George Hill, Dan Lawrence)
• Women’s player of the year: Sophie Luff (Shortlisted: Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Mady Villiers)
• Men’s young player of the year: Sonny Baker (Shortlisted: Charlie Allison, Naavya Sharma)
• Women’s young player of the year: Tilly Corteen‑Coleman (Shortlisted: Jodi Grewcock, Charley Phillips)
• Outstanding Contribution award: Heather Knight
• ECB Special Merit: Tammy Beaumont
• Umpire of the year: Ian Blackwell (men’s) and Gabi Brown (women’s)

Somerset pair Craig Overton and Sophie Luff have been voted men’s and women’s player of the year respectively by their peers at the annual Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) awards. Sonny Baker, another product of the club’s academy, was named men’s young player of the year, while Surrey’s Tilly Corteen‑Coleman emerged as the women’s young player of the year.

“You’re in a phenomenal feeling,” Overton said. “My bowling settled early on, and after I added a hundred off the Essex innings in the season opener, my top‑order form stuck. That quarter‑final against Yorkshire was the moment I knew this was the one – everything finally clicked.”

Although his twin brother Jamie has become an England squad regular in white‑ball cricket, Overton has not represented his nation since 2022. He explained to Cricinfo in August that he felt “close” to being called back following Ben Stokes’s retirement, yet was passed over for the Test series against Pakistan.

Luff, Somerset’s captain, compiled a prolific summer by moving up the order to open the batting. She topped the club’s run‑scoring chart in both the T20 Blast and the Metro Bank One‑Day Cup and served as an immediate presence anchoring the Rockets’ middle order. Her performance helped the team clinch the women’s Hundred for the first time this year. She stands as the first uncapped recipient of the women’s honor since Eve Jones in 2021.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” Luff replied. “When people vote for you, it’s because of the performances and the impact you’ve had all season. Leading from the front has always defined me, and stepping into the opening slot for Somerset paid off brilliantly. I believe I’ve released some hidden potential that lets me give everyone the very best.”

Baker, also a PCA honoree, was crowned men’s young player of the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities the past year presented, citing the competitive finals series and numerous Tests for England among them. His Test debut has been a dream since he began playing at age eleven—and recalling arriving so close to that milestone has been “over the moon.”

Corteen‑Coleman, the 19‑year‑old left‑arm spinner, secured her own breakthrough this summer, earning England debuts in both ODI and T20I formats and finishing as the joint‑highest wicket‑taker in the Hundred. She has set sight on completing the list by claiming her Test cap at Headingley during next summer’s Ashes tour.

“Winning these awards feels immense, thanks to an incredible campaign this year,” Corteen‑Coleman added. “English cricket looks set for another bright turn in 2027, and I’d love to take part fully – whether through training blocks or eventually getting that Test debut at Headingley.”

Heather Knight, who retired from international service this summer and formerly served as PCA vice‑chair, took home the Outstanding Contribution award. Likewise, colleague Tammy Beaumont earned the ECB Special Merit Prize. All recipients were presented at the PCA’s annual gala in West London on Wednesday night.

“Celebrating our hard‑working and inspiring players is always a privilege at what is arguably cricket’s premier ceremony,” said Daryl Mitchell, PCA chief executive. “In partnership with Toyota, we use the PCA Awards to close the year on a high, honoring our four central prizes and recognising wider contributions.”

The following summary highlights each award category and its notable candidates:

• Men’s player of the year: Craig Overton (shortlisted: Joe Clarke, George Hill, Dan Lawrence)
• Women’s player of the year: Sophie Luff (shortlisted: Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Mady Villiers)
• Men’s young player of the year: Sonny Baker (shortlisted: Charlie Allison, Naavya Sharma)
• Women’s young player of the year: Tilly Corteen‑Coleman (shortlisted: Jodi Grewcock, Charley Phillips)
• Outstanding Contribution award: Heather Knight
• ECB Special Merit: Tammy Beaumont
• Umpire of the year: Ian Blackwell (men’s) and Gabi Brown (women’s)

The overarching theme this autumn has been recognition of excellence—both individual brilliance and collective effort—that defines modern one‑day cricket. With Overton and Luff leading the podium, Somerset’s achievements continue to soar throughout the season.

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