Representing Zimbabwe in all forms of the game, an attacking opening batsman, Mark Vermeulen started off as his career at a young age. He captained the national side at the Under-19 level. Vermeulen impressed the national selectors and was selected in the senior side for the second Test against Pakistan in 2002 in Bulawayo.

An occasional off-spinner and plays his domestic cricket for Matabeleland Tuskers, Vermeulen played his first ODI against Sri Lanka in 2000-01 at Sharjah. His life changing moment came in the 2004 CB Series when he was struck a sickening blow on the head by Irfan Pathan. His career was over due to numerous disciplinary issues he had with the Zimbabwean Cricket Board. Vermeulen played his last Test in 2009 against Sri Lanka and his last ODI was in the same year against Bangladesh.