Australia's Will Pucovski Retires from Cricket at 27 Due to Concussion Struggles

Melbourne, April 8, 2025 — Australian batter Will Pucovski has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at just 27 years of age, citing long-term concussion issues. The highly-rated right-hander, who once carried the hopes of Australia’s next-generation Test opening lineup, made the emotional decision after years of battling head injuries.

A Career Cut Short by Concussions

Pucovski’s career, though brief, was marked by both promise and pain. He made his Test debut for Australia in 2021 against India and scored a composed 62 in his only appearance. Hailed as a future star, his journey was tragically cut short by a series of 15 concussions, many stemming from his teenage days playing Australian Rules Football.

His final professional game came in March 2024 during a Sheffield Shield match for Victoria against Tasmania, where a bouncer from Riley Meredith once again left him seriously injured.

“I Wanted to Play 100 Tests, Not Just One”

Speaking on a Melbourne radio show, a visibly emotional Pucovski said:

“I dreamed of playing 100 Tests for Australia. I got one. I was back on track during the 2023-24 season. I even scored a century against New South Wales. But after the last concussion, even walking around my house was difficult. I slept excessively and couldn’t help with day-to-day chores.”

Medical experts had advised him to retire last year, but Pucovski took his time, exploring treatment and future career options.

“I wanted to keep the dream alive for as long as possible. But after battling symptoms for over a year—like motion sickness, fatigue, and numbness—I had to choose my health.”

From the Pitch to the Dugout

Though his professional playing career is over, Pucovski is not stepping away from the game entirely. He will begin coaching duties for a Melbourne-based club in the 2025–26 season and is considering roles in television commentary in the future.

His story serves as a poignant reminder of the long-term effects of head injuries in sport, especially in cricket, where player safety continues to evolve.

Will Pucovski’s First-Class Career at a Glance:

• Matches: 35

• Runs: 2,350

• Average: 45.19

• Centuries: 7 (including 3 double centuries)