Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton and county captain Sophie Luff secured the top accolades at the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) awards in partnership with Toyota, held at Exhibition White City. Overton claimed a four-trophy sweep including the Men’s Player of the Year, while Luff made history by winning the women’s prize as a non-international player.
Craig Overton Claims Men’s Player of the Year and Domestic MVP
His summer included three first-class hundreds—highlighted by an unbeaten knock against Essex—and an average of less than 20 with the ball in the Rothesay County Championship, where Somerset narrowly missed the title. He also smashed an unbeaten 79 in the Vitality Blast quarter-finals against Yorkshire to push Somerset to Finals Day.
The 32-year-old’s performance earned him the PCA Men’s Player of the Year trophy, the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP, the County Championship Player of the Year, and a spot in the Men’s Team of the Year. He is the first Somerset player to win the main men’s award since Nick Compton in 2012, defeating a shortlist that featured Joe Clarke, George Hill, and Dan Lawrence.
“It’s a phenomenal feeling. His stellar summer has reignited discussions regarding a potential Test recall for England to fill the vacancy left by Ben Stokes, four years after his last of eight Test caps.”
Sophie Luff Wins Women’s Player of the Year After 1,000-Run Summer
Somerset captain Sophie Luff collected the Toyota PCA Women’s Player of the Year award after piling up more than 1,000 runs across all formats, averaging over 40 in the One-Day Cup. Luff becomes the first winner of the women’s award not to have played international cricket since Eve Jones achieved the feat in 2021.
In addition to her domestic consistency, Luff tasted success in The Hundred by winning the title with the Trent Rockets after shifting to a new role opening the batting. She topped a shortlisted trio of international stars consisting of Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, and Mady Villiers, and earned selection in the Women’s Team of the Year.
“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,” Luff told Sky Sports. “I think this year I’ve just showcased what I’m capable of. I’ve had a new role at Somerset opening the batting and it’s safe to say it’s gone pretty well.”
Young Player Awards and International Retirees Honored
Hampshire pace bowler Sonny Baker collected the Toyota PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year award. He is the first Hampshire recipient of the young player award since its inception in 1990.
The Toyota PCA Women’s Young Player of the Year honor went to Surrey and Southern Brave left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman. The 19-year-old earned both IT20 and ODI debuts for England during a breakthrough 12 months.
Former England captain Heather Knight received the Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of her long-standing dedication to international cricket following her retirement. Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board presented its Special Merit Award to former England batter Tammy Beaumont to celebrate her career.
Keep reading