Shaheen Afridi, who had rocked India's top order in the T20 World Cup last year to set up a 10 wicket victory, has been ruled out of Asia Cup due to a knee injury.
Putting him among the top three bowlers of the world, Akram said Shaheen's absence changes a lot for Pakistan.
"Shaheen Afridi will be missed a lot. He is important because of the new ball. In this format if you have to restrict the opposition by taking early wickets and that is what the does. He attacks the stumps in all formats.
"There was criticism when he did not take a break but he is only 22. He has got a knee injury which takes time to heal and you always fear that it might come back. He is one the world's top three bowlers so a big setback for Pakistan.
"There is still pace in the bowling department but there is no variation (in the absence of Shaheen's left arm pace). They all are right handers," Akram rued.
Among the Indian players, he is looking forward to see Suryakumar Yadav in action.
"I saw him first when I was with KKR, he played couple of shots (the pick up shot off middle stump).