Benaud family decline state funeral

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he offered Richie Benaud's family a state funeral because of his significance to millions of people around the world.

File image of the late cricket commentator Richie Benaud in his commentary box. Source: EMPICS Sport

The family of cricket great Richie Benaud has turned down the prime minister's offer of a state funeral.

Tony Abbott says the offer was a mark of respect for a man who meant so much to millions of people in Australia and around the world.

But the former Test captain and renowned commentator, who died on Friday aged 84, wanted a quiet and private funeral.

"My understanding is that Richie's own wishes was for something very, very quiet and very, very private," Mr Abbott told reporters on Sunday.

Benaud's widow Daphne phoned Canberra on Saturday to kindly decline the offer of a state funeral.

He will be remembered this week with a private gathering attended only by his immediate family.