Cricket star Will Pucovski reveals the ‘frightening’ health problems that forced him to retire aged just 27: ‘Just walking was a struggle’

Former Australian batting prodigy Will Pucovski has officially retired from cricket aged just 27, admitting he is still suffering ‘frightening’ 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, but he chose to hold off on calling it.

The 27-year-old said his life had changed as he dealt with the symptoms of concussion.

Pucovski’s ongoing issues include regular headaches, fatigue, motion sickness, dizzy spells and struggling with ‘things on my left side’.

‘I’m not going to be playing cricket again,’ Pucovski told SEN.

‘In the couple of months post that [last concussion] I struggled to get anything done, walking around the house was a struggle.

‘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.

‘It’s unfortunately gotten to a stage now where a year or so down the track (I am) still suffering, still don’t really have the answers I have been looking for in terms of why I am still getting these symptoms, and it’s come time to make this decision.

‘When the symptoms are ongoing, it’s pretty frightening.’

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.

Such was his talent, Pucovski was considered by many experts capable of playing long-term for Australia.

Only two months before his Test debut, he became the first player this century to score two consecutive double centuries in the Sheffield Shield.

Pucovski, who will marry his long-term partner Emma this weekend, has had time to come to terms with the decision.

He had multiple lengthy spells out of the game before, but the last concussion he suffered more than a year ago meant his retirement became a mere formality.

‘The technology isn’t quite there to understand what is what,’ Pucovski said.

‘When you have symptoms for over a year – and I’ve had others for numerous years – it can be quite difficult to see how can I get out to play professional sport again when I’m struggling to live my life how I want to.

‘The hard bit to come to terms with, to a degree as well, is I know what I was like before I suffered these concussions, and I know what I’m like now.

‘My family have noticed a bit of a difference in me as well, and my friends, and that part is quite scary, and it’s quite scary for them as well.’

Pucovski, who has impressed as a commentator with the Seven Network, will coach with the Melbourne Cricket Club.

He said if he has children he would happily be involved if they choose to play cricket.