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Former batting prodigy Will Pucovski has opened up on his retirement from cricket, admitting he is still suffering “scary” symptoms from repeated concussions.
The Victorian last played Sheffield Shield in March 2024, when he was hit on the helmet by a delivery from Tasmania speedster Riley Meredith.
It was the 13th known concussion of his sporting career.
Pucovski’s official announcement comes after a medical panel recommended he retire late last year, as Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria finalised the details.
He was absent from most of the pre-season training for the 2024-25 summer, while taking an extended overseas travel break.
The 27-year-old said his life had changed, and it hadn’t been easy.
“I’m not going to be playing cricket again,” Pucovski told SEN.
“It’s been a really difficult year, to put it as simply as possible.
As well as several concussions after being hit in the head while batting, Pucovski has been open about his battles with his mental health as the effects of the stop-start nature of his career have taken a toll.
“The simple message is, I won’t be playing at any level again,” Pucovski said.
“In the couple of months post that (last concussion) I struggled to get anything done, walking around the house was a struggle.
Will Pucovski celebrating a century for Victoria. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
“My fiancee was annoyed because I didn’t contribute to chores. I was sleeping a lot.
“From there, it’s been a tough year, a lot of the symptoms didn’t go away, which has led me to this decision.
“The first few months were horrendous, but things didn’t leave me.”
Pucovski played his only Test in January 2021 against India at the SCG, scoring 62 in the first innings.
He finishes with a first-class average of 45.19 that includes seven centuries and a highest score of 255 not out.
His retirement comes as the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) has announced him as Head Coach of its Premier Men’s program, taking over from Pucovski’s previous mentor Ben Vague.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Will at the helm as our senior Men’s coach,” he said.
“To have someone of his calibre – both as a cricketer and a person – taking the reins is really exciting, and we know he’ll have an immediate impact on the players at all levels.
“He has long been recognised as a great leader and contributor to the club.
“Will’s journey with the MCC started as a talented 12-year-old in our junior program, rising through the grades and progressing through to first-class and ultimately, international level.
“He has a huge range of experiences to draw upon and is an astute student of the game. He understands what it takes to build successful teams.
“He’s a quality person and we’re thrilled to have him at the Club in this capacity.”
Pucovski was a member of the Club’s junior academy that now bears his name – and he debuted in Melbourne’s 1st XI at the age of 16 before becoming a Premiership player in 2022/23.
“I feel very honored to be given the opportunity to coach the MCC Premier Men’s cricket program,” Pucovski said in an MCC statement.
“It’s always been my cricketing home, I have always enjoyed playing for the Club and now to become coach, it means a lot to me.
“I’ve spent some time around the Club over the last few years and helped with some batting coaching when needed.
“I’m now really excited about taking on the role as senior coach.
“I am going to bring contemporary knowledge and insight to the Club which will complement the experienced coaching and leadership group already in place.”
– with AAP
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