Davis Cupper Harsh (left) with mom Nirupama and brother Mihir at his father Ashok Mankad's condolence meeting in Haji Ali yesterday. Pic/ATUL KAMBLE.

Mumbai's cricketing fraternity was conspicuous by its absence at the condolence meeting yesterday evening to mourn the death of former Test player Ashok Mankad.

Erstwhile Mumbai captains Milind Rege and Shishir Hattangadi were present though and paid rich tributes to Mankad (61) who died in his sleep last week. The meeting was organised by his family.

"Most of the cricketers had come to the funeral, while some visited the residence. That is why not many of them came today," said a family member.

It is learnt that the office bearers of the Mumbai Cricket Association were busy at an important meeting. Apart from the willow game, music was also close to Mankad's heart. Devotional songs were sung by a group at the Fellowship's Garware Sabhagriha, Haji Ali. Mankad's all-time favourite song choo kar mere mann ko  was performed in his remembrance.