PDIs ->Pre-determined Internationals

What's a PDI?
As opposed to the old ODIs or one day internationals, PDIs are a recent and extremely popular form of cricket. The rules are the same as one day games, with one difference - the results are decided ahead of game-time.

History
PDIs were first played in the late '80s with numerous instances of incredible scores, and facile victories. The mid-east venue of Sharjah was an early catalyst in the development of this version of cricket. In one game, a bowler took seven lbws in bad light, and that was considered fair, because it meant fantastic returns for the winning team's backers.

Early enthusiasts were from the subcontinent, before the readmission of South Africa into international cricket in 1991. This was an important point in the evolution of the pre-determined game - South Africa proved to be a top-class source of fixing talent. The country's result facilitators devised complex determining techniques, and blazed a trail for others to follow. By 1996, the PDI version had an influential organization across South Asia, South Africa, and Australia.

Popularity
Lucrative for bettors and and even more so for players, it was no surprise that pre determined games caught on rapidly in the '90s. Top quality match fixing soon became an art many wanted to perfect. It meant acquiring high level playing contacts, detailed knowledge on the weather, gestures, pitches, and team selection. Importantly it also included a fair amount of glamor, which meant a significant upgrade in social status. Who wouldn't want to hang with the stars, and have a good time?

Minor Controversy
The party was a little spoiled in 2000 when the general viewing public, and fans got in on the details. There was some indignation, because so many had been denied their share of gambling windfall for years. If they'd known, so many fans would have gotten with the program early. Much like the stock market, where investors love a good tip, and want it fast. Good ol' sporting capitalism.

Progress and Current State
Soon all was forgotten, and the PDIs continued, and made several people very comfortable. The system was streamlined so that results from the quarterfinals of tournaments were known in advance, so people could make informed betting decisions. Also, a cryptic set of codes and signals were formulated so everything went per plan in a game.

Players' remunerations and perks increased exponentially, and a healthy rapport with result facilitators was established. There was no more an atmosphere of distrust nor fear. After all, every one stood to gain. Once crudely referred to as 'match fixing', the tag 'pre-determined' allowed the game a measure of respectability.

For county, and test cricket as well, a parallel 'Pre-Det' version was created. PDTs - pre-determined tests - are huge in India, Pakistan, and of course South Africa. Recent results stand testimony to the popularity of this version.

Find Out Yourself
What should you look for? Next time, before any PDI/T, watch for the pre-game weather report, and comments made by players in the media. Watch for the gesturing in the field, similar behavior in the pavilion, and in the stands near it. Watch for unusual dismissals and strikes during play that leave you incredulous. The party rolls on....