The wife of cricket legend Richie Benaud has phoned Canberra to decline the offer of a state funeral.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he respects the wishes of Richie Benaud's family after they kindly turned down his offer of a state funeral for the cricket and commentating great.

The former test captain and commentator died on Friday at the age of 84.

Mr Benaud will be remembered this week with a private gathering to be attended by only his immediate family, and Mr Abbott says the offer was a mark of respect for a man who meant so much to millions around the world.

"Certainly I thought it was very important that the family was offered a state funeral, given the significance of Richie Benaud."