Liam Dawson and Kathryn Bryce Crowned Players of the Year

Hampshire's Liam Dawson and Derbyshire's all-rounder Kathryn Bryce have both been named Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively, at the prestigious Professional Cricket Association (PCA) awards. 

This recognition adds to an incredible year for both players, each having now secured four accolades following standout performances throughout the season.

Dawson had an exceptional season, taking 71 wickets and amassing 1,280 runs across all formats. His contributions played a pivotal role in Hampshire’s second-place finish in the County Championship Division One and their advance to the One-Day Cup quarter-finals. Dawson joins an elite group of past winners such as Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes, with the award being decided by votes from his fellow professionals.

On the women's side, Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce shone brightly, amassing 1,650 runs and claiming 51 wickets. She was the top scorer in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, helping The Blaze claim the title. Bryce also led Scotland to their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in the UAE this month.

In reflecting on the honour, Bryce expressed how meaningful the award was to her, stating that it’s humbling to be recognised by her peers, especially given the list of distinguished previous winners. She added that 2024 will be a year she remembers for a long time.

Similarly, Dawson shared his joy and surprise at receiving the honour, highlighting how special it felt to be recognised by the very players he competes against week after week. He described the achievement as a career highlight that he will look back on fondly.

In addition to their player of the year awards, both Dawson and Bryce were named Domestic Overall Most Valuable Player (MVP) in their respective categories. Bryce also took home the Charlotte Edwards Cup Player of the Year award and was named captain of the PCA Women's Team of the Year, becoming the first non-Englishwoman to win the title.

England’s Jamie Smith, 24, was named PCA Men's Young Player of the Year, while 20-year-old Ryana MacDonald-Gay of South East Stars earned the PCA Women's Young Player of the Year title. Meanwhile, veteran England bowler James Anderson received a Special Merit Award from the ECB following his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year.

PCA Awards 2024 Winners:

- Men's Player of the Year: Liam Dawson  

- Women's Player of the Year: Kathryn Bryce  

- Men's Young Player of the Year: Jamie Smith  

- Women's Young Player of the Year: Ryana MacDonald-Gay  

- Outstanding Contribution Award: Matthew Maynard  

- Rado Recognition Award: Harry Brook and Lauren Bell  

- ECB Special Merit Award: James Anderson  

- Men's Umpire of the Year: Neil Bainton  

- Women's Umpire of the Year: Anna Harris