A promising cricket star who was forced to retire last year due to multiple concussions is reportedly ‘in talks with Cricket Victoria’ on reaching a financial settlement relating to his premature retirement.
Will Pucovski, 27, revealed to Gerard Whateley on SEN 1116 today that he would officially be retiring from the sport due to repeated head injuries.
In March 2024, the opening batsman, who had been backed to become a mainstay in the Aussie Test side, was struck in the helmet by a fast ball from Tassie pace bowler Riley Meredith.
A medical panel had recommended that he retire from the sport with that concussion being the 13th of his career. He had held off on calling time on his career until Today.
While admitting to Whateley that he still is ‘searching for answers’ relating to the symptoms he has suffered over his injury, he is also now in talks with his former state over a suitable payout, according to The Daily Telegraph.
It is understood that neither side wants the talks to turn into a legal showdown.
Will Pucovski (pictured with fiancee Emma) has announced his retirement from professional cricket
The Victoria batsman had sustained a concussion last year, the 13th of his career, and was advised by medics to call time on the sport
It is understood that he is now in talks with Victoria Cricket over a potential settlement payout
But if neither party can agree on terms over what constitutes a reasonable payout to Pucovski, then there is a possibility that the matter could escalate.
The outlet adds that Pucovski’s legal counsel is Peter Gordon, a senior partner at Gordon Legal. He has also previously served as the president of the Western Bulldogs.
‘I have spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to find answers,’ Pucovski told Whateley on SEN.
‘I have seen a heap of experts, Why have I had all these problems over a long period?
‘Is there a way to navigate this? I have met with a heap of different people but unfortunately, it has got to the stage where I am still suffering and don’t really have the answers.
‘Mental health is one part of it – that is related to the concussion stuff. I suffer from fatigue. One bizarre thing is I struggle with things on my left side. I am 27 and, hopefully, I have a good life ahead of me.’
The cricket star is due to wed his fiancee Emma Stonier this Friday but opened up on how his symptoms had impacted his life at home.
‘In the couple of months post that [last concussion] I struggled to get anything done, walking around the house was a struggle,’ he said.
He also revealed that the concussion injuries have had an impact in his life away from the cricket pitch
‘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 had been backed to become a future Test star, having made his first and only Baggy Greens debut at the SCG in 2021, scoring 62 runs in the first innings against India.
He would go on to amass 2350 First Class runs across 36 Shield matches, averaging 45.19 runs per game.
In the game prior to his retirement, he struck 131 runs in Victoria’s shield clash against New South Wales.
He added that he has been searching for answers after suffering the head injury last season
Meanwhile, The Melbourne Cricket Club has announced that Pucovski will take up a new role as the head coach of its Premier Men’s programme.
The 27-year-old had previously played for the MCC’s junior academy but said he felt ‘honoured’ to take up the role.
‘I feel very honoured to be given the opportunity to coach the MCC Premier Men’s cricket program,” he said.
‘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.’
