Ben Stokes played a starring role in England’s maiden men’s ICC Cricket World Cup win before repeating his heroics to draw the Ashes series with Australia.
The 28-year-old all-rounder was honored for those achievements by scooping the Reg Hayter Cup ahead of fellow nominees Simon Harmer, Ryan Higgins, and Dom Sibley.
Somerset’s Tom Banton picked up the PCA young player of the year, while England bowler Sophie Ecclestone collected the women’s player of the summer.
After receiving his trophy at the 50th PCA awards ceremony in London, Stokes said: “It’s a proud moment to win the award. I think that is because it’s voted for by everyone else, the other players.
“In terms of reflection, I think there will come a time where I will be able to take it all in but I don’t think that will come until I retire really becomes it all comes so thick and fast. This will definitely be a summer that I will be able to look back on forever.”
When asked if it was the best year of his career to date, he replied: “Yeah, definitely.
“Winning the World Cup was an amazing feeling to be a part of – seven weeks of hard toil to then walk away with the World Cup was brilliant, and then a great Ashes series to be part of.
“This will take some beating but hopefully it does happen.”
Other award winners included ODI player of the summer – Chris Woakes, Test player of the summer – Stuart Broad, and County Championship player of the year – Simon Harmer.
