All Praise for the tainted Mohammd Amir, Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis said rehabilitated pacer will play a crucial role in the upcoming World Twenty20 Championships in India.

Amir, who served a five-year ban and some jail time for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, returned to the national side in the recently concluded limited-overs series against New Zealand.

“Amir was always a smart bowler even at a young age and we knew that so we didn’t put that much pressure on him in this series but I think he still bowled the best among all the pace bowlers and within his limitations. He will only get better in the coming days and will play a crucial part in the World T20 in India,” Waqar told PTI from Auckland.

Pakistan have lost back-to-back series against England and New Zealand but Waqar insisted that the side should not be written off as a title contender in World T20.

“It is good we played against England and New Zealand two very good and competitive T20 sides before two major events.

It provided us with an opportunity to get better equipped for the future,” the former Pakistan captain said.

Waqar, who has had to officially deny media reports that the poor performances against England and New Zealand had led him to submit his resignation, said the coming Pakistan Super League in Dubai and Sharjah would also put the players in proper frame of mind for two tough assignments.

“I think our biggest problem has been fielding lapses and fitness and I and the trainers have given a program to the players to work on during the PSL,” he added.

“I have also informed the PCB about these plans and if the boys carry them out they will be in the run for the Asia Cup and World T20,” he said.(PTI)