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

More than over 16 seasons since his debut, the veteran spinner would be justified in growing weary of the non-stop cricket circuit. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th global T20 event, he summarises that busy, routine existence while discussing the team-bonding mini‑break in Queenstown that launched England’s winter tour: “Sometimes you don’t get that opportunity when you’re always on tour,” he remarks. “Touch down, drill, perform, and journey.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not merely when he reflects on the upcoming path of a team that appears to be thriving guided by Harry Brook and his personal role within it, but also when watching Rashid train, play or bowl. Yet while he succeeded in curbing New Zealand’s charge as they tried to pursue England’s historic 236 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday night, when his four‑wicket haul included all but one of their five highest scorers, he cannot do anything to stop time.

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Rashid will turn 38 in February, midway through the T20 World Cup. Once the following 50-over World Cup is held in late 2027 he’ll be approaching 40. His longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, just a few months his senior, ended his international cricket career last year. But Rashid remains integral: 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, plus Rashid in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. But there are still no thoughts of the end; 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. “From my view, that’s the greatest success in all sports. I still have that passion there 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’ve got that passion, there’s a lot of cricket to be played.

“I want to be part of this team, this squad we’ve got now, along the forthcoming path we tread, which ought to be rewarding and I intend to contribute. Hopefully we can experience some wins and win World Cups, all the good stuff. And I await hopefully joining that expedition.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Nearby, circumstances can alter swiftly. Existence and cricket are highly uncertain. I aim to keep focused on the now – each game separately, each phase gradually – and let things unfold, see where cricket and life takes me.”

In numerous aspects, now is not the period to ponder finishes, but instead of starts: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid says. “Several new players are present. Some have gone out, some have come in, and that’s just part of the cycle. But we’ve got experience, we’ve got youth, we feature top-tier cricketers, we employ Brendon McCullum, a superb mentor, and everybody’s buying in to what we’re trying to achieve. Yes, there’s going to be hiccups along the way, that’s inherent to the sport, 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 sense we are a cohesive group,” he expresses. “We feel like a family kind of environment, encouraging each other no matter success or failure, if your outing is strong or weak. We attempt to ensure we adhere to our principles thus. Let’s ensure we remain united, that cohesion we share, that camaraderie.

“It’s a nice thing to have, everybody’s got each other’s backs 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 composed, laid-back, but he is sharp in his mentoring role, he is focused in that aspect. And he desires to foster that setting. Yes, we are relaxed, we are chilled, but we’re making sure that when we go on that pitch we’re focused and we’re going for it. Much praise belongs to Baz for forming that atmosphere, and hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”