Sussex’s Tom Haines and Warwickshire’s Emily Arlott have been named the PCA Players of the Month for April 2025, following standout performances that kicked off the new English domestic season in style.
The awards, determined by the PCA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Rankings powered by OFX, combined the algorithm’s top performers with a public vote, split 50:50. Both players emerged on top in tight contests, securing recognition for their early-season impact.
Haines leads Division One with over 500 runs
Tom Haines, the 26-year-old left-handed opener, has been in sensational form for Sussex, scoring 513 runs across four County Championship games at an average of 73.28. His performances made him April’s leading MVP scorer with 122.21 points.
Haines topped the men’s vote with 39%, narrowly beating Nottinghamshire’s Fergus O’Neill (31%). Surrey’s Dom Sibley and Notts skipper Haseeb Hameed followed in third and fourth.
Haines registered two centuries, including a match-winning 141 against Somerset and a dominant 174 against Surrey at Hove. He added an unbeaten 69 in the same match to claim Match MVP honors with 67.66 points, although the contest ended in a draw.
“It feels good to win the PCA’s Player of the Month for April. It’s been a great start to the season which makes me incredibly happy,” said Haines. “The hundred against Somerset was more important because we won the game, but I’m pleased with both.”
He also noted the importance of squad depth and bowler fitness as Sussex targets success in Division One this season: “If we keep everyone fit, we can definitely be up there challenging.”
Emily Arlott shines as first Tier 1 Women’s POTM winner
Emily Arlott made history by becoming the first women’s Tier 1 Player of the Month winner under the new domestic structure. The Warwickshire all-rounder impressed with 134 runs and five wickets in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, earning 61.58 MVP points.
Arlott led the public vote with 38%, edging out Durham’s Phoebe Turner (32%), with Emma Lamb and Kathryn Bryce finishing third and fourth.
She scored her maiden professional century — 130 off 141 balls — against Essex after her team collapsed to 22-5, leading Warwickshire to a 108-run win. Arlott claimed 43.15 MVP points for that performance and followed it up with a 3-39 spell against The Blaze, including the key wicket of Tammy Beaumont.
“It’s a great recognition for the last few games,” said Arlott. “I was surprised to be in the mix, but the main thing is to win games for Warwickshire. This is a nice bonus.”
She credited a winter stint in Perth for improving her all-round game and regaining bowling speed after injury: “Hopefully I can stay consistent and take wickets when the team needs them.”
What’s next in the MVP race?
The PCA MVP Rankings continue throughout the domestic season, tracking top performers across formats. With standout April performances from Haines and Arlott, both players will be contenders for end-of-season MVP honors.
To view the latest PCA MVP Rankings and full player tables, visit the official PCA website.
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