Madushanka was seen hobbling away from practice on Saturday and was soon sent to get an MRI scan, which confirmed the injury. He is not expected to recover in time to play any part in the World Cup, and will now likely be replaced in the squad.

Having made his international debut in the recent Asia Cup, Madushanka had impressed through the course of the tournament, taking six wickets and maintaining an economy rate of 7.75 across six matches.

Having brought lively pace and swing to the powerplay overs, as well as variety at the death, he had perhaps become Sri Lanka's second-choice quick, after Dushmantha Chameera. He was likely to be in the XI for Sunday's first-round match against Namibia.

Sri Lanka have other seamers in the squad, namely Lahiru Kumara and Pramod Madushan, who can replace Madushanka in the XI. Potential replacements for him in the squad include Binura Fernando - also a left-arm quick.

Despite their recent Asia Cup victory, Sri Lanka must play the first round of the World Cup, where they play UAE and Netherlands in addition to Namibia, in order to qualify for the main draw.