"Vermeulen was charged with arson today," chief superintendent Andrew Phiri told reporters in Harare.

"Vermeulen is being held in police custody and will appear in court tomorrow (Friday)."

The Zimbabwe cricket academy, housed in a purpose-built thatched building, and the Harare Sports Club (HSC) were badly damaged by fires earlier this week.

"All of our video analysis equipment, the physiotherapist's supplies and the players' kit was also destroyed," Zimbabwe coach Kevin Curran told Reuters from Harare on Thursday.

Curran said a squad of 24 players had been playing practice matches at the academy ground in preparation for Zimbabwe's tour to Bangladesh later this month.

"We've had to stop the matches because half the ground has been burnt," Curran said.

The fire at HSC damaged curtains and carpeting in the Zimbabwe Cricket boardroom.

Vermeulen played eight Tests and 32 one-day internationals.