The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Awards 2026 celebrated the cream of the crop in South African cricket, with a host of standout performers across all formats. The ceremony showcased the depth of talent in the country, with a mix of established stars and rising stars alike. Here's a breakdown of the key winners and their remarkable achievements.
The Big Three
Simon Harmer
The 37-year-old off-spinner was the standout performer in South Africa's Test team during the awards cycle. His remarkable return of 30 wickets in four matches was a testament to his skill and experience. Harmer's ability to bowl tight lines and lengths, coupled with his variations, made him a constant threat to opposition batters. The highlight of his campaign was undoubtedly the series sweep against India, where he took 8 wickets in the Rawalpindi Test and then led the charge with match figures of 8 for 51 and 9 for 101 in the subsequent matches in Kolkata and Guwahati. His performance was a key factor in South Africa's dominance in the Test format.
Laura Wolvaardt
Wolvaardt continued her dominance in women's cricket, claiming the Women's Player of the Year, SA Women's Players' Player of the Year, and Women's ODI Player of the Year awards. Her impact was felt across all conditions, and her performances were instrumental in South Africa's run to the ODI World Cup final in 2025. Wolvaardt finished as the tournament's top run-scorer with 571 runs at an impressive average of 71.37, including centuries in the semi-final and final. Her performances in the ODI series in New Zealand and the T20I series against India further solidified her status as one of the world's best female cricketers.
Aiden Markram
Markram was the biggest winner among the men's all-format awards, claiming the SA Men's Player of the Year and SA Men's Players' Player of the Year awards. His leadership and performances across formats were a key factor in South Africa's success. Markram's standout moment was undoubtedly the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, where he played a crucial role in South Africa's victory. His ability to adapt his game across formats and his leadership skills made him a valuable asset to the team.
Rising Stars
Lungi Ngidi
Ngidi, a fast bowler, collected the Men's T20 International Player of the Year award and the SA Fans' Player of the Year prize. His dismissal of Jos Buttler during South Africa's second ODI against England was voted the Best Men's Delivery of the year, showcasing his ability to generate pace and movement. Ngidi's performances in all formats have been impressive, and he is a key part of South Africa's future plans.
Matthew Breetzke
Breetzke's breakthrough campaign earned him the Men's ODI International Player of the Year award. His performances in the ODI format have been a welcome addition to South Africa's batting lineup, providing stability and consistency. Breetzke's ability to adapt to different conditions and his strong technique make him a player to watch in the future.
Domestic Dominance
The SA20 awards reflected the competition's standout performers, with Quinton de Kock, Ottneil Baartman, Jordan Hermann, Kyle Simmonds, Mignon du Preez, Robin Peterson, JP Triegaardt, and Sandile Masengemi all recognized for their contributions.
Beyond the Field
CSA also recognized contributions beyond performances on the field, with Arno Jacobs named CSA Umpires' Umpire of the Year, Lubabalo Gcuma receiving the CSA Umpire of the Year award, and Sinalo Jafta presented with the Makhaya Ntini Power of Cricket Award.
The CSA Awards 2026 were a celebration of South African cricket's finest, highlighting the depth of talent and the bright future of the sport in the country.
