Afridi had played a key role in Sri Lanka's first innings in the opening Test, taking 4 for 58 in 14.1 overs to bowl the hosts out for 222. But he bowled just seven overs in Sri Lanka's second innings that lasted for 100 overs, and left the field after appearing to be in discomfort on day four. He will, however, stay back with the Pakistan contingent in Sri Lanka till the end of the Tests "where his initial rehabilitation and management will continue under the supervision of the team's medical staff."

Pakistan's next commitment is a three-match ODI series in the Netherlands starting August 16, after which the Asia Cup T20 competition is scheduled to be held later that month. It is still unclear whether Afridi's injury is serious enough to put his participation for those games in jeopardy.