Test captain Salman Butt and seamers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were banned for corruption barely two weeks before the World Cup which depleted Pakistan's bowling options.
But Akhtar said the loss of the trio has helped unite the squad.
"We are a hurt side so we are here to hurt others. It's better that it happened to us because every time a controversy happens it gathers us together and what better situation than before a World Cup," Akhtar said.
Pakistan, rated as dark horses in the most open World Cup in its 36-year history, inflicted a narrow 11-run defeat over co-hosts Sri Lanka in their last match after seeing off Kenya by 205 runs.
Akhtar, 35, admitted he was missing Aamer - banned for five years - and Asif - banned for seven - but said others have stepped up.
"Obviously without Aamer and Asif we have suffered badly, they were the best with the new ball, it's unfortunate what happened to them. Had they been with us it would have been the most lethal bowling attack," said Akhtar.
"But the way (Umar) Gul and (Abdul) Razzaq have been bowling, the way (Wahab) Riaz is bowling, we can still do a much better job as we have variety in our attack."
Akhtar hoped Pakistan - who next face Canada in Colombo on March 3 - will not get complacent after beating Sri Lanka.
"We have to move on and we shouldn't get complacent with the new ball because if we get two or three early wickets then that could be the turning point," said Akhtar, whose 14-year career has been dotted with bans, a failed dope test and fitness problems.
He and Asif failed drugs tests in 2006 and were banned for two years and one year respectively, both of which which were lifted on appeal.
Fitness problems forced him to miss the 2007 World Cup while he was fined 3.4 million rupees ($27,000), and banned for 13 ODIs, after he hit Asif with a bat, two days before the 2007 World Twenty20 in South Africa.
Akhtar said he was happy to play his part in the Sri Lanka win, taking the all-important wicket of in-form Mahela Jayawardene to finish with 2/42.
"I am happy that I got a wicket at a time when it was needed," said Akhtar. "It was very important for us to stage a comeback and it was good that we did and proved people who termed Sri Lanka as favourites wrong."
