‘I still have 100% passion’: England’s evergreen Rashid is not finished yet

More than 16 years after his initial cap, Adil Rashid could be forgiven for growing weary of the non-stop cricket circuit. 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.”

However, his passion is obvious, not just when he discusses the immediate future of a team that appears to be thriving under Harry Brook and his personal role within it, but also when watching Rashid train, play or bowl. Although he managed to halt New Zealand’s progress as they tried to pursue England’s historic 236 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on Monday night, when his four‑wicket haul included all but one of their five highest scorers, there is nothing he can do to halt time.

Scott Boland of Australia ignores chatter from ex-England cricketers ahead of Ashes

In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, halfway into the T20 World Cup. By the time the next one‑day international version is played towards the end of 2027 he will be nearly 40. His longtime friend and present podcast colleague Moeen Ali, just a few months his senior, ended his international cricket career last year. However, Rashid continues essential: those four wickets took him to 19 so far this year, 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 there are still no thoughts of the end; his attention stays on defeating rivals, not closing his career.

“Totally, I retain the appetite, the eagerness to compete for England and stand for my country,” Rashid declares. “From my view, that’s the greatest success in all sports. That fervor for England persists within me. In my opinion, if the enthusiasm diminishes, or something similar, that’s when you think: ‘OK, right, let’s have a real think about it’. At the moment I haven’t really thought of anything else. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I want to be part of this team, this squad we’ve got now, during the upcoming adventure we face, which should be pleasant and I wish to participate. Ideally, we can taste success and claim World Cups, everything excellent. And I’m looking forward to hopefully participating in that journey.

“We are unaware of what will occur. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. Existence and cricket are highly uncertain. I aim to keep focused on the now – each game separately, each phase gradually – and permit matters to evolve, watch where the game and life guide me.”

In numerous aspects, now is not the period to ponder finishes, but rather of beginnings: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “We are embarked on that path,” Rashid notes. “Several new players are present. Some have gone out, some have come in, and that’s merely part of the process. However, we hold expertise, we contain new blood, we feature top-tier cricketers, we employ Brendon McCullum, a superb mentor, and each person supports our objectives. Yes, there’s going to be hiccups along the way, that’s inherent to the sport, but we’re definitely focused and really on the ball, for any coming events.”

The desire to schedule that Queenstown trip, and the recruitment of the former All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, suggests there is a particular focus on creating something more from this group of players than just an XI. and Rashid thinks this is a unique talent of McCullum’s.

“We sense we are a cohesive group,” he conveys. “We experience a familial atmosphere, supporting one another irrespective of performance, you have a good day or a bad day. We strive to confirm we follow our ethics in that manner. Let’s guarantee we stay together, that solidarity we possess, that fellowship.

“It’s a nice thing to have, everybody’s got each other’s backs and that’s the culture Baz and we seek to form, and we have developed. And ideally, we shall, irrespective of performance outcomes.

“Baz is very relaxed, chilled out, but he’s on the ball in terms of coaching, he’s on it in that sense. 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. A lot of credit goes to Baz for creating that environment, and ideally, we can sustain that for an extended period.”