Aiden Markram and Laura Wolvaardt Lead CSA Awards as South African Cricket Celebrates Historic Season
South African cricket’s finest were recognised for their outstanding achievements at the 2026 Cricket South Africa (CSA) Professional and Pathway Awards on Thursday, with Aiden Markram and Laura Wolvaardt taking home the night’s biggest honours.
Held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg under the theme “Crowning Glory,” the annual awards celebrated the standout performers of the 2025/26 season across international, domestic and grassroots cricket.
The event capped off a memorable campaign that saw South Africa reach the ICC World Test Championship Final while delivering impressive performances across both the men’s and women’s game.
Aiden Markram emerged as the biggest winner of the evening after being named both SA Men’s Player of the Year and SA Men’s Players’ Player of the Year.
The Proteas captain was rewarded for his consistency across all formats during the 2025/26 season, highlighted by a memorable century in the ICC World Test Championship Final. His performances established him as one of South Africa’s most influential players during a landmark year for the national team.
On the women’s side, Laura Wolvaardt was crowned SA Women’s Player of the Year following another exceptional season with the Proteas.
Wolvaardt’s prolific run-scoring, including her leading role during South Africa’s impressive ICC Women’s ODI World Cup campaign, earned her the prestigious accolade as she continued to cement her status among the world’s elite batters.
Veteran spinner Simon Harmer received the Men’s Test Player of the Year award after producing a series of outstanding performances, particularly in demanding subcontinent conditions.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi walked away with the SA Fans’ Player of the Year award and was also recognised for his performances in the T20 International format.
Format-specific honours also went to Matthew Breetzke, whose impressive displays in One-Day International cricket earned him recognition during the ceremony.
Beyond honouring established international players, the CSA Awards also highlighted the next generation of South African cricket through the annual Pathway Awards.
The programme recognised emerging players, coaches and dedicated contributors from development structures, including KFC Mini-Cricket, reflecting Cricket South Africa’s continued investment in growing the game at grassroots level.
The strength of South African cricket was evident in the quality of nominees across multiple categories.
Players such as Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Marizanne Kapp and Nonkululeko Mlaba were among those recognised for their contributions during a highly competitive season.
Cricket South Africa Awards 2026 (Image: CSA)
Full List of Additional 2026 CSA Professional and Pathway Award Winners
Cricket South Africa also honoured outstanding performers across its domestic, pathway and grassroots structures, recognising the individuals who continue to drive the growth and success of the game nationwide.
Women’s Provincial Player of the Year: Aphilile Adonisi (Warriors)
Student Player of the Year: Lleyton Troskie (North West)
Men’s Under-19 Player of the Year: Jorich van Schalkwyk
Girls’ Under-19 Player of the Tournament: Mieke van Voorst (Easterns)
Girls’ Under-16 Player of the Tournament: Miya Lalor (Western Province) and Jeze Campher (South Western Districts)
Boys’ Under-16 Player of the Tournament: Zizi Mkhize
Schools SA20 Girls’ Player of the Tournament: Tshepiso Motswi
Schools SA20 Boys’ Player of the Tournament: Zizi Mkhize
Khaya Majola Cricket Week Player of the Tournament: Reuben van Zyl (Titans)
T20 Community Cup Player of the Tournament: Zian de Jager (Christian Brothers’ College Old Boys Cricket Club)
Hubs Coach of the Year: Blessings Mabunda (Limpopo)
Rural Cricket Player of the Year: Wikus Botha
Veterans Cricketer of the Year: Reinhardt Strydom (Boland)
National Club Championship Player of the Tournament: Ryan Maritz (University of Johannesburg Cricket Club)
Groundsman of the Year: Bryan Bloy (Titans)
Scorers’ Association of the Year: Lions
Intellectually Impaired Player of the Year: Mpho Selaone (Titans)
Deaf Cricketer of the Year: Arthur McGee (Titans)
Blind Cricketer of the Year: Lwande Bhidla (Lions)
Learners With Special Education Needs Player of the Tournament: Kamogelo Matlala
Bucket Loads of Good Award: Rishi Nanan (Tuskers)
Mini-Cricket Coordinator of the Year: Joseph Ngqasa (Kei)
Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year: Tlhome Malebo (Knights) and Dalynn Pietersen (Boland)
These awards capped a memorable evening celebrating excellence at every level of South African cricket, from grassroots development and schools cricket to the country’s top professional performers, highlighting the depth of talent that continues to shape the future of the game.