At 6.46pm local time (2.16pm IST), the big screen at The Gabba displayed a “severe weather” alert, warning that it was “unsafe to remain in open areas.” The announcement came moments after players walked off the field, even though no rain had started at the venue.
As per official communication, play has been stopped due to lightning in the vicinity. Live visuals showed spectators being evacuated from the lower stands, in line with safety protocols.
At the time of interruption, India were cruising at 52/0 in 4.5 overs, with Shubman Gill batting on 29 off 16 balls and Abhishek Sharma on 23 off 13 balls.
The Gabba’s safety protocol mandates that play cannot continue if lightning is detected within a set radius from the stadium. Players, officials, and fans are moved indoors or to covered areas until the weather threat passes and it is deemed safe to resume.
