‘I’ve still got total passion’: England’s enduring Rashid has no plans to stop

More than a decade and a half since his debut, Adil Rashid might be excused for feeling exhausted by the international cricket treadmill. Now in New Zealand for his 35th global T20 event, he summarises that hectic, monotonous life when talking about the squad-uniting short trip in Queenstown with which England started their winter: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he remarks. “Touch down, drill, perform, and journey.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not just when he discusses the near-term prospects of a squad that looks to be blooming with Harry Brook and his individual spot on it, plus when seeing Rashid drill, perform, or spin. Although he managed to halt New Zealand’s progress as they attempted to chase down England’s record‑breaking 236 at the Hagley Oval ground in Christchurch on Monday night, with his four dismissals covering four of their leading five run-getters, he cannot do anything to stop time.

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Rashid reaches 38 years old in February, during the T20 World Cup’s middle phase. When the next ODI World Cup occurs near the end of 2027 he’ll be approaching 40. His close pal and current podcast partner Moeen Ali, merely some months elder, stepped away from global cricket the previous year. However, Rashid continues essential: that four-wicket performance raised his annual count to 19, half a dozen beyond another English bowler. Just three England bowlers have claimed as many T20I wickets in one year: Graeme Swann in 2010, Sam Curran in 2022, and Rashid in 2021, 2022, 2024 and now 2025. But no plans exist for conclusion; his concentration is on overcoming foes, not ending his journey.

“One hundred per cent I’ve still got the hunger, the craving to feature for England and symbolize my nation,” Rashid affirms. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. I continue to hold that zeal for England. I feel that once the passion fades, or whatever occurs, that’s the moment you consider: ‘Alright, let’s seriously ponder it’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I want to be part of this team, this squad we’ve got now, along the forthcoming path we tread, which should be pleasant and I wish to participate. With luck, we can achieve victories and secure World Cups, all the positive outcomes. And I’m looking forward to hopefully participating in that journey.

“We are unaware of what will occur. Around the corner things can change very quickly. It’s very unpredictable, life and cricket. I always like to stay present – a game at a time, a step at a time – and permit matters to evolve, watch where the game and life guide me.”

From several perspectives, this isn’t the moment to consider conclusions, but instead of starts: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid comments. “Several new players are present. Some have departed, some have joined, and that’s simply part of the rotation. However, we hold expertise, we contain new blood, we include elite performers, we have Brendon McCullum, an excellent coach, and each person supports our objectives. Indeed, setbacks will occur on the path, that’s typical in cricket, but we are surely dedicated and completely prepared, for all future challenges.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, and the hiring of ex-All Blacks mental coach Gilbert Enoka, suggests there is a particular focus on creating something more from this group of players than just an XI. and Rashid believes this is a particular strength of McCullum’s.

“We feel like a unit,” he expresses. “We enjoy a family-like setting, supporting one another irrespective of performance, whether your day is positive or negative. We’re trying to make sure we stick to our morals in that way. Let’s guarantee we stay together, that solidarity we possess, that fellowship.

“It’s a wonderful attribute, all members support one another and that’s the atmosphere Baz and we aim to establish, and we have created. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“Baz is very relaxed, chilled out, but he is attentive regarding coaching, he is diligent in that regard. And he desires to foster that setting. Certainly, we are at ease, we are cool, but we ensure that once we enter the field we are concentrated and we are competing fully. A lot of credit goes to Baz for creating that environment, and hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”