Ex-Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill found guilty in drugs case
What's the story
Former Australian Test cricketer Stuart MacGill has been convicted of a lesser charge of drug supply by a jury at the Sydney District Court. The jury cleared him of participating in a major commercial drug deal in April 2021. Although he had facilitated the meeting, MacGill said he didn't know about the cocaine transaction organized by his supplier and brother-in-law. Here's more.
Case details
MacGill's brother-in-law involved in the drug deal
The jury convicted MacGill of drug supply but acquitted him of a large-scale commercial drug transaction. The prosecution produced evidence that Marino Sotiropoulos, MacGill's regular drug supplier and his brother-in-law, had organized an exchange of AUD 330,000 (around ₹1.7 crore) for a kilogram of cocaine. However, despite setting up the meeting at his restaurant, MacGill denied any knowledge about the deal.
Sentencing
MacGill's sentencing proceedings adjourned for 8 weeks
While the jury dismissed the Crown's claims of MacGill being involved in a one-kilogram deal, they found him guilty on a lesser charge of participating in drug supply. His sentencing proceedings have been adjourned by the court for eight weeks. Despite his cricketing genius, MacGill's post-retirement years have been plagued by legal troubles and personal controversies.
Cricket
MacGill returned to cricket amid battle over drug deal
Despite the legal battle, MacGill was back on the cricket field. He made a surprising return to cricket at the age of 53. He played for the ACT Over 50s cricket team and looked fit and competitive in January 2025. In one instance, a batter hit a big sweep against him, but he responded with a few impressive deliveries. Off the field, MacGill looked relaxed and fit in team photos, wearing a new blue and yellow uniform.
Career
The former Aussie bowler's career overview
During his time playing for Australia between 1998 and 2008, MacGill picked up 208 Test wickets across 44 matches. In 85 innings, he managed an average of 29.02, alongside 12 five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket hauls. According to ESPNcricinfo, His best bowling innings are worth 8/108 and his best match figures are 12/107. Meanwhile, in three ODIs, he bagged six wickets at 17.50.