Karachi, Nov 04: China could be playing international cricket within two decades after being cleared to join the Asian cricket family later in November, the Asian Cricket Council announced today. "We are all set to give China associate membership later this month," the council's chief executive Ashraful Huq told.

"I am amazed at the level of cricket interest in common people and seriousness of the officials in China."

Huq, who visited Hong Kong for the recent Super Sixes tournament, said Chinese officials approached him and said they were applying for membership of the Asian Cricket Council. They were also seeking affiliate membership of the International Cricket Council.

Huq visited China in September and met China's director of sports Lu Zai Hua, paving the way for China's entry into the Asian Cricket Council. Bureau Report