Former Pakistani prime minister, Imran Khan, will reportedly run for chancellor of Oxford University from his prison cell in Pakistan.

The controversial politician and cricket star will attempt to enter despite serving a10-year jail sentence.

The seat of chancellor of Oxford University is vacant following the resignation of 80-year-old Lord Patten, the former governor of Hong Kong and Tory Party chairman, who held the post for 21 years.

According to Oxford University, the role of chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university, who is “usually an eminent public figure elected for life” and “presides over all major ceremonies”.

The process of electing a new chancellor by members of the University's convocation - which is about 350,000 people - will be held online for the first time.

Who is Imran Khan?

Mr Khan is currently in jail over allegations of stoking protests and violence against the Pakistan military on May 9 last year. He has denied the charges.

Mr Khan studied Economics and Politics at Keble College, Oxford in 1972 and also captained the cricket team of Oxford University.

He made a Test debut for Pakistan in 1971. In 2005, Mr Khan became the chancellor of Bradford University. He served in the post until 2014.

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“Imran Khan will contest for the chancellor of Oxford University as there is a public demand that he should contest,” Mr Khan’s advisor on international media Syed Zulfi Bukhari told The Telegraph.

“We will announce it publicly once we get a go-ahead from Khan and start the signature campaign for it,” Mr Bukhari said.

Victory for Mr Khan appears unlikely.

Former prime ministers Sir Tony Blair and Boris Johnson are also among the candidates to become the university’s chancellor.