An application for membership of the Asian Cricket Council has been submitted and is likely to be approved at a meeting next month.

The ACC plans to set up a schools competition in China to try and generate interest among youngsters.

Roger Binny, a member of India's 1983 World Cup winning team, Sri Lankan Rumesh Ratnayeke and Pakistani Iqbal Sikander will be involved in coaching.

Cricket is played in China, primarily in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

And the ACC believes the time is right to introduce a co-ordinated programme which will aid the game's development.

Twenty countries currently hold membership of the ACC and discussion about China's application appears to be no more than a formality.

"The ACC executive committee will meet next month to approve China's membership," said ACC chief executive Ashraful Haque.