Will Pucovski future: Victoria set to offer troubled star new deal as he awaits concussion panel call
Will Pucovski’s future with Victoria has taken another turn as he awaits clarity on whether his stop-start career can continue – but his place in the game remains on a bat’s edge.
Will Pucovski’s future in cricket remains on a bat’s edge, with Victoria set to contract the right-hander for next season.
But a medical panel will ultimately decide if Pucovski’s stop-start career can continue.
The 26-year-old suffered another bout of concussion when he was struck on the helmet by quickie Riley Meredith in the second innings of the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in early March.
He was substituted out of the game and sat out the rest of the season.
Victoria will retain Pucovski in its squad for 2024-25 after Cricket Australia indicated it would be able to replace him should he be ruled out of cricket.
Cricket Victoria had received permission to delay finalisation of its men’s squad for next season beyond last Friday’s deadline.
Following an extensive process that even reached board level, CV has decided to table a contract to the troubled batter.
That will allow CV to release its squad list, although Pucovski’s name – should he accept a deal – is likely to carry an asterisk, even if figurative.
A judgment from the independent medical panel, co-ordinated by CA, has dragged on, meaning there is no still clear timeline on when Pucovski will receive an answer as to whether he can resume his brilliant but staccato career.
A planned County stint with Leicestershire this year was shelved following the latest blow.
After years of concussions – some of which have subsequently been disputed – as well as broader mental health issues, the latest flashpoint in the Pucovski tale came only weeks after he posted a ton at the SCG against a NSW side featuring Nathan Lyon.
Pucovski has flirted with retirement in the past.
Long-touted as a future star for Australia, the Bayside product played his lone Test against India in January 2021, scoring 62 in his first innings, only to suffer a shoulder injury.
Victoria’s men’s squad for 2024-25 is otherwise finalised.
Big Bash League sensation Josh Brown will be an inclusion after committing to play for the Vics following his earlier move from Brisbane Heat to the Melbourne Renegades.
It’s understood Brown will play only in the Marsh Cup for the Vics and will be free to take up T20 and T10 offers as long as they don’t conflict with his state white-ball duties.
He is expected to start training with Victoria on July 1.
The Brown acquisition came after a play for Tasmanian opener Jake Weatherald fell through.
Nic Maddinson has moved to NSW, Mackenzie Harvey and Brody Couch shifted to South Australia and Western Australia respectively after knocking back deals from Victoria, and Travis Dean was cast aside after 72 first-class matches that produced eight centuries and 3609 runs.
Victoria has upgraded rookies Dylan Brasher, a left-hand top-order batter, and Douglas Warren, a left-arm finger spinner.
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