Petition seeks knighthood for Crowe

An online petition lobbying for an urgent knighthood for terminally ill New Zealand cricket great Martin Crowe has more than 5000 signatures.

The petition, set up by Hirone Waretini two weeks ago on change.org, has 5656 supporters.

Known as one of the game's most stylish batsmen, the 52-year-old became the third New Zealander to be inducted into the International Cricket Council's Hall of Fame in February.

Quick single: Crowe set for emotional induction

Crowe's 14-year international career ended in 1995 after he had scored 5444 runs from 77 Tests. He is regarded as one of the best and most elegant batsmen of his era.

Crowe was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma in October 2012. A course of chemotherapy held it at bay until the cancer returned.

Doctors then identified his condition as double-hit lymphoma, a rare and aggressive blood disease. Only five per cent of those diagnosed with it live for longer than 12 months.

Quick single: McCullum's touching tribute to Crowe

Crowe has opted not to continue with chemotherapy.

The petition says the knighthood should be awarded with urgency given the uncertainty about Crowe's illness.