CricInfo reports that Mark Vermeulen, recently cleared of arson attack on the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy and ZC office at Harare Sports Club, has approached provincial side Westerns about playing for them in the upcoming inter-provincial series in Zim, and with an eye on a return to the national side - although he will apparently need ZC’s approval to play:
“I hope to play some Logan Cup and see if I can make it into the national side. I have spoken with the [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 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.”
This is where we get to see how well ZC are willing to forgive and forget. Vermeulen, who is captain of Old Hararians, has been one of the outstanding players of this year’s club season. He’s also stated his intention to return to English club cricket, now that the ban imposed on him for on-field behaviour there has lapsed.
CricInfo - Vermeulen eyes international comeback
Can someone explain how Vermullen was able to beat the accusation? I’m aware they said they he wasn’t taking his medication, but you would think they would want a little more than that.
While accepting that he did start the fires, he pleaded not guilty on grounds of diminished responsibility - as I understand it, it’s not that he hadn’t been taking his medication, he hadn’t even been diagnosed and therefore hadn’t been prescribed anything to take. That’s now been corrected, of course. Both defence and government medical advisers agreed that because of his condition, he wasn’t responsible for his actions, and the rest is history…