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. 

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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.

“My fiancee was annoyed because I didn’t contribute to chores. I was sleeping a lot.

Will Pucovski celebrating a century for Victoria. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“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.

– with AAP