Imran Khan says he is running for Oxford Chancellor from prison “to give something back”

Mr Khan, 71, studied philosophy, politics and economics at Keble College from 1972 to 1975 and was also captain of the university's cricket team.

Lord Hannan, a Tory peer and former MEP, endorsed Khan this week, describing him as a “towering figure in the world of philanthropy, sport and politics” and saying: “He would make an outstanding chancellor for the greatest university in the world.”

In the race to become the university's new flagship, Khan faces strong competition. His main rivals include Lord Hague, the former foreign secretary, Lord Mandelson, the Labour Party grandee, and Lady Angiolini, the prominent lawyer who led the investigation into the rape, kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard.

Although Khan is considered a wild card, his application could help draw attention to his detention and put pressure on the Pakistani government and the country's powerful military leadership.

More than 250,000 Oxford graduates will take part in an online vote later this year. The successful candidate will serve a 10-year term and assist Prof Irene Tracey, the current Vice-Chancellor.