Imran Khan was catapulted to global fame as a World Cup cricket champion, but the man known in the West as a celebrity playboy is now seeking to lead Pakistan as a populist, religiously devout, anti-corruption reformist.

Khan's shot at becoming prime minister in elections on July 25 -- believed to be his best chance since entering politics two decades ago -- is coloured by allegations the electoral playing field is being fixed for the erstwhile fast bowler by the powerful military.

Khan has denied the claims and decried the venality of Pakistan's political elite, promising to build an "Islamic welfare state" if his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party form the next government.