Explosive former Australian T20 batsman Luke Pomersbach has opted to stop playing professional cricket to deal with mental health issues.
Queensland Cricket on Thursday announced Pomersbach had made a decision to stand down from his Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat commitments to overcome depression.
The 2012-13 Big Bash player of the tournament said it was a difficult call, but one he needed to make to complete a full recovery.
Pomersbach, who burst onto the scene in Perth in 2007, had a troubled career with Western Australia before heading to Brisbane to play club cricket in 2011.
The left-hander played one T20 international in 2007-08 and his hard-hitting exploits saw him gain contracts with the Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
Pomersbach previously admitted his battle with depression had led to his controversial axing by the Royal Challengers in 2011 and had largely attributed his career renaissance to the support of then Bulls coach Darren Lehmann.
QC chief executive Geoff Cockerill said the state body had put in place measures to assist Pomersbach with his recovery and fund ongoing treatment.
"Luke's health is the number one priority in all of this and his doctor has told him that ... it is essential Luke takes a complete break away from the day to day pressures and challenges of professional cricket so that he can continue to concentrate on his recovery and rehabilitation from his illness," Cockerill said.
"We appreciate the difficulties and challenges that Luke faces with his illness. The most important thing is that Luke continues to receive the necessary treatment and has the best possible support available to him."
Pomersbach thanked Queensland Cricket, Bulls coach Stuart Law and teammates for their support.
"I really appreciate all the help and support that I have received ... especially over the past couple of months leading up to this difficult decision to leave professional cricket so that I can put all my efforts into getting better and making a full recovery," he said.
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