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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br />
