Hint on Pucovski's future ahead of medical panel findings
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Will Pucovski's playing future has entered its next chapter after he was offered a playing contract by Cricket Victoria, but his health is still under scrutiny. The talented batter was named in the state's 28-man squad for the 2024-25 season despite not playing since he was forced to retire hurt on March 4 after a Riley Meredith bouncer hit him in the helmet. Two months earlier he retired hurt over a similar incident in a second XI match, adding to a long list of concussions. READ MORE: $4.5m 'bidding frenzy' to pour fuel on bitter NRL rivalry READ MORE: Sydney club shattered by mid-match death in England READ MORE: 'Fitness' probed as horror moment sums up sorry Souths While naming him in the squad, Cricket Victoria outlined there'll be a thorough process before he plays again. "Understandably there will be a lot of interest in Will Pucovski and what the future holds," cricket performance general manger, Graham Manou said. "The most important part of this process is Will and his health and wellbeing. "Cricket Victoria is working closely with Cricket Australia and the expert medical panel that is due to meet soon to review Will's history. "We'll take the advice from that panel on the appropriate way forward this season." Among the notable inclusions in Victoria's squad is Josh Brown, who captivated BBL crowds with his big hitting efforts for Brisbane Heat last season. Brown has since signed with Melbourne Renegades and subsequently with Victoria too. Australian representatives Scott Boland, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Harris, Glenn Maxwell, Todd Murphy, Pucovski, Peter Siddle, Will Sutherland and Matt Short are among the squad as well. Three-Test representative Nic Maddinson has left for Victoria to return back home with New South Wales. Victoria contract list: Liam Blackford (Geelong), Scott Boland (Frankston Peninsula), Dylan Brasher (Footscray), Josh Brown (TBC), Ashley Chandrasinghe (Casey-South Melbourne), Xavier Crone (Carlton), Sam Elliott (Fitzroy Doncaster), Peter Handscomb (St Kilda), Sam Harper (Melbourne), Marcus Harris (St Kilda), Campbell Kellaway (Melbourne), Glenn Maxwell (Fitzroy Doncaster), Cameron McClure (Essendon), Jono Merlo (St Kilda), Todd Murphy (St Kilda), Fergus O'Neill (Melbourne), Mitch Perry (Richmond), Will Pucovski (Melbourne), Tom Rogers (Ringwood), Matt Short (Northcote), Peter Siddle (Dandenong), Will Sutherland (Prahran), Douglas Warren (Melbourne University).Cricket Australia's 2024-25 men's contract list in pictures: Former David Warner heir among four axed