Australian cricketer Will Pucovski has retired from all forms of cricket at the tender age of 27. The brilliant right-handed batsman chose to hang up his boots after he was battling with long-term symptoms of multiple concussions during his brief career. While he was a giant of a young gun in cricket in Australia, his illnesses proved difficult for him to continue playing.

Pucovski had gained many head injuries over the years, the most recent happening in March 2024 when a bouncer struck him on his helmet. Ever since, he has been experiencing terrifying symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, motion sickness, perpetual tiredness, headaches, and poor sleep. These symptoms have not just impacted his game but also complicated his daily life.

Even though he was signed to play for Victoria during the last season, he didn't see the field even once.A group of physicians advised him that if he continues to play, his condition may deteriorate. After deep thought, he took the tough but rational decision of retiring from cricket to maintain his health and well-being in the future.

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Former Australia Test opener Will Pucovski has retired from all levels of cricket at the age of 27.https://t.co/N7ugE9j5Cm

— ICC (@ICC) April 8, 2025

A Bright Career Cut Short

Pucovski represented Australia in Tests for the first time in January 2021 against India, and he left everyone stunned with a decent half-century in his debut innings. He played 36 first-class matches for Victoria and amassed more than 2,300 runs with a fine average of 45.19, including seven centuries. Many cricket enthusiasts and pundits believed that he had a great and long international career ahead of him.

His early retirement is a poignant reminder of the seriousness that concussions can inflict, especially in a sport like cricket. Will Pucovski's decision to put his health first has inspired a warm welcome and admiration from the cricket world. Though his playing days are done, many believe he might still be able to contribute to the sport in some other way  through coaching, mentoring, or otherwise, bringing awareness to player safety.

During a Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Tasmania on Sunday (March 3), Australian cricketer Will Pucovski suffered a head blow from a Riley Meredith bouncer, leading to his retirement from the game due to injury. This is not the first time Pucovski has faced such an incident, having previously endured head injuries.

The unfortunate event occurred during Victoria’s pursuit of 442 in their second innings, with Pucovski batting at No. 3. Facing only the second delivery from Meredith, the bouncer struck the left side of Pucovski’s helmet, causing him to retire hurt with a score of 0.

Pucovski’s Health Under Scrutiny After Head Injury

Prior to this incident, Pucovski had suffered a head injury during a second XI match in January. Despite his resilient return, scoring 131 in a subsequent Shield match against New South Wales, concerns linger regarding his condition as further medical updates are awaited.

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The distressing sight of Pucovski kneeling on the pitch prompted swift medical attention, and although he walked off the field rubbing his eyes, Cricket Victoria assured that he is under the care of medical professionals, with updates pending.

Following concussion protocols, reserve batter Campbell Kellaway substituted for Pucovski. The 26 Year-old cricketer, who has played one Test match against India in January 2021, not only battles physical injuries but also candidly discusses his struggles with mental health, acknowledging its greater challenge in recent interviews.