Former Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill has been cleared of a serious drug charge but found guilty of a lesser offense. A Sydney District Court jury ruled that he had unknowingly played a role in a drug deal but was not involved in the large-scale exchange. The case revolved around a 2021 cocaine deal worth AUD 330,000, allegedly organized by MacGill’s brother-in-law, Marino Sotiropoulos. Prosecutors claimed that MacGill had set up a meeting under his restaurant, which led to the transaction. However, the jury concluded that while he was aware of a drug deal, he had no idea about its magnitude. MacGill denied arranging the sale but admitted he had introduced his brother-in-law to someone who later turned out to be a key figure in the transaction. The jury dismissed the claim that he was part of the larger deal but found him guilty of taking part in drug supply on a smaller scale. The 52-year-old, who played 44 Tests for Australia, remained composed as the verdict was announced. His sentencing has been scheduled for eight weeks later. Read also: Rahul Dravid Injured Playing in Bengaluru MacGill’s Past Involvement and Alleged Kidnapping MacGill’s legal troubles began after an alleged kidnapping in April 2021, reportedly linked to the same drug case. Police investigations revealed that he was abducted, assaulted, and threatened by a group of men seeking money. The former cricketer claimed he was forced into a car, taken to a remote location, and beaten before being released an hour later. Authorities later arrested six men in connection with the incident, but doubts arose over whether MacGill had entered the car willingly. He denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he was an innocent victim. In September 2023, police charged MacGill with knowingly participating in the supply of a prohibited drug. He was granted bail under strict conditions and had to surrender his passport. MacGill’s career, often overshadowed by Shane Warne, took an unexpected turn with these legal troubles. Now, with his major charge dismissed but a lesser conviction in place, the cricketing world awaits his fate at sentencing.