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

Following over 16 seasons after his initial cap, the veteran spinner would be justified in feeling exhausted by the international cricket treadmill. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he describes that busy, routine existence while discussing the group-connecting brief holiday in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he states. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

However, his passion is obvious, not only when he talks about the upcoming path of a side that seems to be flourishing guided by Harry Brook and his personal role within it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. Although he managed to halt New Zealand’s progress as they tried to pursue England’s historic 236 at the Hagley Oval ground in Christchurch on Monday night, with his four dismissals covering four of their leading five run-getters, no action can prevent the passage of time.

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In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, during the T20 World Cup’s middle phase. By the time the next one‑day international version is played towards the end of 2027 he’ll be approaching 40. His great friend and now podcast co‑host Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, stepped away from global cricket the previous year. Yet Rashid stays crucial: that four-wicket performance raised his annual count to 19, six more than any other Englishman. 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. Yet there are no considerations of retirement; his concentration is on overcoming foes, not ending his journey.

“Totally, I retain the appetite, the eagerness to compete for England and stand for my country,” Rashid says. “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, then you reflect: ‘Okay, time to genuinely evaluate 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, during the upcoming adventure we face, which hopefully will be nice and I want to be part of it. Ideally, we can taste success and claim World Cups, everything excellent. And I await hopefully joining that expedition.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen. Nearby, circumstances can alter swiftly. Life and the sport are immensely volatile. I always like to stay present – a game at a time, a step at a time – and let things unfold, see where cricket and life takes me.”

From several perspectives, this isn’t the moment to consider conclusions, but more of origins: a novel squad with a different skipper, a different coach and fresh prospects. “We’re on that journey,” Rashid says. “A handful of fresh members exist. 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 all are committed to our goals. Yes, there’s going to be hiccups along the way, that’s typical in cricket, but we’re definitely focused and really on the ball, for whatever lies ahead.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, and the appointment of previous All Blacks mindset trainer Gilbert Enoka, implies a specific concentration on developing additional value from this squad apart from a lineup. and Rashid feels this is a distinct asset of McCullum’s.

“We sense we are a cohesive group,” he expresses. “We experience a familial atmosphere, backing each other regardless of whether you perform or don’t perform, you have a good day or a bad day. 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 great quality, each person defends their teammates and that’s the environment that Baz and we are trying to create, and we have developed. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“Baz is very composed, laid-back, but he is attentive regarding coaching, he is focused in that aspect. And he wants to create that environment. Yes, we are relaxed, we are chilled, 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 with hope, we can continue that for much more time.”