PCA PRESS RELEASE
The PCA XI donned new Adidas kit supplied by Specialist Sports as they beat Bramhall CC by 14 runs
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The PCA Legends launched their 2026 season at Bramhall Cricket Club debuting a new Adidas kit from Specialist Sports and winning by 14 runs.
Led by former England and Surrey bowler, Alex Tudor, the Legends kicked off their 2026 season at Bramhall CC in Cheshire, where over £54,000 was raised for both the club and a local charity.
The first of eight fixtures this season, the game saw the Legends debut their Adidas kit, provided by Specialist Sports, the side’s new Official Kit Partner, while Greene King remain as shirt sleeve sponsor.
Also debuting was Kent and former England leg-spinner, Matt Parkinson, the second player in the side still playing professionally along with his county teammate Joe Denly.
It was another former Test player who earned Player of the Match, however, as Owais Shah fired his way to an unbeaten 127 off just 59 deliveries, a strong return after his Player of the Season award in 2025.
The first team of the season was comprised entirely of capped England players including iconic batter Claire Taylor and the vastly experienced all-rounder Samit Patel.
Those two players, along with wicket-keeper Paul Nixon, were the first to arrive at the Cheshire ground as they led a coaching session with Bramhall’s junior section.
Maintaining their focus of supporting grassroots cricket, the Legends made an impressive start to fundraising in 2026 after raising over £170,000 last year.
Over 350 spectators raised around £54,000 for both the club and 1000 Hearts for Harry, a charity named in memory of Harry Dubois, who died aged 17 from an undiagnosed heart condition in 2014.
The Legends’ next match is against Finchampstead CC in Berkshire tomorrow (Friday 12 June), one of two new clubs in the fixture calendar along with Tonbridge CC in Kent.
The team will return to Toft CC in Cheshire, Mawdesley CC in Lancashire, Great Witchingham CC in Norfolk and Hadleigh and Thundersley CC in Essex.
Also in the calendar is Durham and Surrey legend Scott Borthwick’s Testimonial match at South Northumberland CC, where Borthwick will pit his own side of cricketing icons against the Legends.
Find out more about how the Legends programme helps recreational clubs and schools raise funds for the community and how the PCA can unlock player appearances here.
Former England and Surrey bowler and Legends captain, Alex Tudor, said: “It’s always so exciting to be at the first game of the season, it’s one that I always look for in the calendar.
“We’ve got a great fixture list this season, I’m really looking forward to seeing everybody at the clubs we’re visiting. We’ll raise some good money for fantastic causes and hopefully see a lot of people there.
“For former cricketers, getting new kit is like going to the candy store. When our manager told us that we had new kit and it’s Adidas we were so excited. It feels great, the boys enjoy it and that’s the main thing.
Kent and former England leg-spinner, Matt Parkinson, said: “I’m so happy to play for the Legends for the first time – it’s nice to be the youngest player in the team.
“It’s amazing to get to play with Samit (Patel) again, (Adam) Hollioake my coach, Tudes, (Usman) Afzaal, (Glen) Chapple my old boss, it’s great.”
Kent and former England batter, Joe Denly, said: “It’s always a great day. It’s good to give back a bit with the PCA Legends team and hopefully everyone’s enjoyed it today.
“I’m a big fan of the new kit, it fits nicely, looks good – I think the lads are very happy with it.”
Specialist Sports Senior Category Manager, Neil Latimer, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the PCA and the Legends, we really feel we share an ambition to support and grow the game of cricket.
“As the exclusive UK licensee for adidas Cricket, Specialist Sports looks forward to working closely with the PCA and the Legends to drive innovation, engagement and long-term growth for the benefit of the wider cricket community.”
