Former batsman, cleared of arson, targetting domestic return

Vermeulen eyes international comeback

Cricinfo staff

February 14, 2008

Mark Vermuelen: 'I think I'm now a better person. I've been taking my medication' © Getty Images

Mark Vermuelen, the former Zimbabwe batsman who was last week cleared of arson, is looking to make his first-class comeback - and even has his eyes set on returning to the national side.

Vermeulen was on trial last month for burning down the Zimbabwe Cricket Board's headquarters and academy in Harare. He had admitted in 2006 to setting fire to the two buildings, but pleaded not guilty to arson on psychiatric grounds, adding that he suffered from partial complex epilepsy and impulsive behaviour disorder after he was hit and injured by a cricket ball during a match in Australia.

He last played for Zimbabwe against England in 2004, and hasn't played a first-class match for over two years, though bail conditions did allow him to represent local league sides in Zimbabwe.

"I hope to play some Logan Cup and see if I can make it into the national side," he said. "I have spoken with the Matabeleland [now Westerns] officials about my intentions. That is where I've played most of my first-class cricket and that's where I want to play. I want to help out the youngsters with my experience. They [the Bulawayo board] told me they needed permission from Zimbabwe Cricket before they can take me. So I am waiting and hoping that ZC allows me to play."

Vermeulen also revealed his intention to play league cricket in England again. Before returning to Zimbabwe and committing the offence, he had been banned from all first-class and league cricket in the UK for hurling a cricket ball into the crowd following an altercation with a fan during a Lancashire club match. His three-year ban, two of which were suspended, has elapsed.

"[The trial] was a long process and I learned a lot and I think I'm now a better person. I've been taking my medication," Vermeulen said. "What happened was very unfortunate but I wasn't aware just how much I wasn't in control. I am happy that everything is back on track. I hope that ZC will forgive and forget."

© Cricinfo

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Stories

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Vermeulen cleared of arson

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Players/Umpires

Mark Vermeulen

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Zimbabwe