Beloved cricket broadcaster and Australian icon Richie Benaud has died, aged 84.

His family announced that he passed away peacefully in his sleep last night.

Tributes have flowed for the cricket great, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott praising him for his contribution to the game and offering a state funeral.

“There would hardly be an Australian over the last 40 years who hasn't listened to Richie Benaud," Mr Abbott told ABC radio, describing him as a very effective cricketer and great personality.

"He certainly will be very, very much missed."

Richie Benaud. (AAP)

Nine Entertainment Co chief executive David Gyngell said Benaud's passing "has robbed us not only of a national treasure, but a lovely man".

"Richie earned the profound and lasting respect of everyone across the world of cricket and beyond - first as an outstanding player and captain, then as an incomparable commentator, and through it all as a wonderful human being.

"Richie is a true legend not only to all the people who knew him, but to the many millions who didn’t. Which speaks volumes. He’s been part of the Australian psyche."

An undated photo of Richie Benaud practicing in the nets.(AAP) (AAP)

"Since way back in 1977 Richie has been a much loved member of the Nine family. More than that, he sat at the head of our table. We shall miss him dearly, but we’ll forever treasure his indelible memory and all the marvellous values for which he stood."

"Cricket is very much the richer for Richie Benaud’s lifelong engagement. And so are we all. Our deepest sympathies go to Daphne and Richie’s family."

Richie Benaud has died aged 84. (AAP)

In November last year Benaud revealed he was batting skin cancer, a product of a long career spent outdoors as both a cricket player and commentator.

When asked by fellow commentator Mark Nicholas if he’d had a rough year, Benaud responded with his classic, dry wit.

“Roughish,” he said, with a trademark grin.

Benaud has been lauded for his highly influential take on the game and the art of broadcasting.

Known for his astute but wry take on the game, his attitude to commentary was often to let televised pictures do much of the talking.

“My mantra is: put your brain into gear and if you can add to what's on the screen then do it,” he once said.

“Otherwise, shut up.”

The former cricketer and commentator attracted a cult following among cricket fans, who often mimicked his look. (Getty Images) (Getty)

Spectators dressed as Richie Benaud pose during day two of the Fourth Test match between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground. (Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Richie Benaud was announced as the face of the Australia Day lamb campaign, run by Meat & Livestock Australia last year. (AAP) (AAP)

Over a decorated cricketing and media career, Benaud won an array of awards and recognitions.

In 1961, he was awarded an OBE for his services to cricket.

He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985, the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2007 and the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.

A respected captain and all-rounder, Benaud played 63 Tests for Australia, scoring more than 2201 runs and taking 248 wickets with his leg-spin.

He was the first player to complete the 2000-run and 200-wicket double and retired as the leading Test wicket taker of all time.

During his tenure as Test captain, Australia did not lose a series.

He was also a prolific author, writing 14 books on the game he loved.

Late in his life, he turned his focus to the issue of skin cancer.

“When I was a kid, we never, ever wore a cap. Not the flash ones,” he said not long after his diagnosis.

“[Keith] “Nugget” Miller never wore a cap, so I didn’t.

“I wish I had.

“I recommend to anyone: they should have protection on their skin and on their heads.

“I can give you one good reason for that. Eighty-four-year-olds just don’t seem to mend as well as they used to.”