PCA PRESS RELEASE
Captain Alex Tudor awarded Legend of the Summer as £281,800 raised for causes across the UK
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The positive impact of the PCA Legends’ fixtures this year will continue far beyond the 2026 season, with the fundraising total standing at an incredible £281,800.
Raising more than any other season in Legends history for grassroots clubs, charities and a testimonial, 2026 bettered 2017’s previous record of £226,676 by over £55,000.
The Legends were captained by former England bowler Alex Tudor, who was voted Legend of the Summer by teammates for his outstanding contribution to the programme.
Featuring 35 current and former professional cricketers, the PCA’s squad travelled across the country, playing as far north as South Northumberland CC in Newcastle and as far south as Tonbridge CC in Kent.
There were debuts for Matt Parkinson, Peter Trego, Joe Leach, Nick Browne and Darren Stevens, across XIs that boasted former England stars including Joe Denly and Claire Taylor.
The season opened at Bramhall CC in Cheshire, where the club were fundraising for 1,000 Hearts For Harry, a charity raising awareness for cardiac screening in young people.
Fundraising continued throughout the season, as the Legends played at Toft CC in Cheshire, where plans for a new clubhouse have been approved and building is scheduled to begin over the winter, thanks in part to money raised during Legends games.
The Legends were able to enjoy the benefits of their fundraising during their coaching session at Hadleigh and Thundersley CC, where the Essex club have used money from past fixtures to fund new state-of-the-art nets.
They also contributed to Durham batter Scott Borthwick’s Testimonial year, spending the day at South Northumberland CC in aid of the Great North Children’s hospital.
On the pitch, the PCA side won all seven of their games, with Toft CC choosing to play a six-a-side tournament where each side starred two Legends in a knockout format.
In the revamped end of season awards, Tudor and four other winners have been recognised for contributions to the programme and performances with bat and ball.
The captain wins a bespoke trophy from EFX, a £500 Adidas voucher and £1,000 in cash for consistently contributing to morning coaching sessions before representing the side admirably both in the games and during the hospitality lunches.
The four further winners each receive a £125 voucher from Adidas Specialist Sports, the Legends’ Official Kit sponsor, who also kindly funded Tudor’s voucher.
Former England batters Owais Shah and Ali Brown win the best all-round performances of the season, both players remarkably scoring 127 and taking three wickets in a game.
Former England all-rounder Samit Patel and Leicestershire icon Paul Nixon were also recognised for their overall commitment to the programme and its values.
On the 2026 summer, Tudor said: “The one thing I think everyone misses after retiring is the changing room. It’s the talk, staying behind, catching up, having a chat, and just seeing how everyone is doing. I’ve loved these days ever since I retired. I’ve just seen them grow and grow, and this season is no exception.”
On winning Legend of the Season, he added: “I just try to turn up, mix in, and keep everyone involved. We’re reaching out now and getting a bigger pool of players, both women and men: Claire Taylor has played a lot of games with us this year, and it’s been great to see her.
“We would love to play more fixtures. Hopefully, people are thinking of getting the PCA Legends down to help their clubs, whether it’s new nets, new changing room facilities, or if you just want to grow the club. It’s a great day – hopefully a lot of money is raised, and we just keep growing our great game.”
Former England and Leicestershire wicketkeeper, Nixon, said: “Tudes deserves this award so much. He’s a genuine, caring bloke.
“Whether he’s doing the more corporate side of speaking or coaching a six-year-old, he’s got the same passion and enthusiasm and care for one and all.”
The PCA England Legends gives recreational clubs and schools a vehicle to raise significant funds for their community. Click here to find more information.
