OVERTON AND LUFF WIN TOP PCA CRICKET AWARDS

Somerset's Craig Overton and Sophie Luff have won the men's and women's player of the year awards at the Professional Cricketers' Association awards in London. Overton had a strong season across formats as Somerset narrowly missed out on the County Championship title and reached the T20 Blast semi-finals. Luff becomes the first winner of the women's award without international caps since 2021, having also helped Trent Rockets win The Hundred. Sonny Baker and Tilly Corteen-Coleman were named winners of the two young player of the year awards. Sky Sports reported the ceremony took place at Exhibition White City as part of the 2026 PCA awards in partnership with Toyota.

Overton scored three first-class hundreds during the County Championship season and averaged under 20 with the ball, according to the BBC. His form has prompted discussion of a possible recall to the England Test team to replace Ben Stokes, four years after Overton won the last of his eight Test caps. He was chosen ahead of shortlisted nominees Joe Clarke, George Hill and Dan Lawrence. Luff scored more than 1,000 runs across formats over the summer and averaged over 40 in the One-Day Cup, beating international players Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley and Mady Villiers to the award. Baker made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June.

Overton said winning the award chosen by fellow players was "a phenomenal feeling" and described feeling mentally prepared to perform throughout a demanding schedule. Luff said she had taken on a new role opening the batting for Somerset this year, which she said had "unlocked something" in her game, and thanked her team-mates and coaches for their support. Both players credited their county sides for their seasons. No further fixtures or award details were confirmed in the reports.