Former Australian spinner Stuart MacGill was found guilty of participating in a drug supply operation but was acquitted of involvement in a large-scale cocaine deal, a Sydney District Court ruled on Thursday.

The 54-year-old was cleared of facilitating the exchange of one kilogram of cocaine worth AUD 330,000 in April 2021. However, the jury convicted him of the lesser charge of taking part in drug supply.

The court heard that MacGill introduced his regular drug dealer to his brother-in-law, Marino Sotiropoulos, at a meeting beneath his restaurant on Sydney’s north shore. While he denied knowing the nature of the transaction, prosecutors argued the deal would not have taken place without his involvement.

MacGill, who played 44 Tests for Australia and took 208 wickets, “showed little emotion” as the verdict was read, according to Australian media reports. His sentencing hearing has been adjourned for eight weeks.

The former cricketer was also involved in a separate high-profile incident last year when he was allegedly kidnapped. Two brothers, Richard and Fredrick Schaaf, claimed in court that MacGill willingly came to them and was involved in drug dealings. However, police had earlier maintained that he was a victim of abduction.

MacGill, speaking with former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist, recounted the alleged kidnapping. “Later in the day, it was getting quite dark, I was bundled into a car by three blokes. I didn’t want to get in, I said to them twice, ‘I’m not getting in the car,’ but then it became obvious they were armed,” said MacGill.

“They said, ‘We know you’re not involved, we just want to have a chat.’ Then they put me in the car, and I was in there for an hour and a half.”

The Schaaf brothers have pleaded not guilty to charges of detaining a person in company. Their trial is set for mid-next year.

MacGill, who played as a leg-spinner behind Shane Warne, retired from international cricket in 2008. His legal battle continues as he awaits sentencing.