‘My passion remains at 100%’: England’s ageless Rashid still going strong

More than a decade and a half from his first appearance, England’s seasoned bowler could be forgiven for feeling exhausted by the global cricket grind. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th T20 international competition, he describes that frantic, repetitive schedule as he mentions the team-bonding mini‑break in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he remarks. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

Yet his enthusiasm is clear, not just when he discusses the near-term prospects of a squad that looks to be blooming guided by Harry Brook and his personal role within it, plus when seeing Rashid drill, perform, or spin. But while he was able to stop New Zealand in their tracks as they tried to pursue England’s historic 236 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval 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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Rashid will turn 38 in February, during the T20 World Cup’s middle phase. Once the following 50-over World Cup is held in late 2027 he will be nearly 40. His close pal and current podcast partner Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, retired from international cricket last year. Yet Rashid stays crucial: that four-wicket performance raised his annual count to 19, six ahead of any other England player. Merely three English cricketers have achieved such T20 international wickets in a single 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 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. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. I continue to hold that zeal for England. I think that when the passion does die down, or whatever it is, that’s the moment you consider: ‘Alright, let’s seriously ponder it’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. I hold that drive, and much cricket remains.

“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. Hopefully we can experience some wins and win World Cups, all the good stuff. And I’m looking forward to hopefully participating in that journey.

“We are unaware of what will occur. Nearby, circumstances can alter swiftly. It’s very unpredictable, life and cricket. I prefer to remain in the moment – one match at a time, one stage at a time – and allow events to develop, observe where cricket and existence lead me.”

In numerous aspects, now is not the period to ponder finishes, but rather of beginnings: a renewed side with a changed leader, a changed mentor and new vistas. “We’re on that journey,” Rashid says. “There are a few new faces. 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’ve got Brendon McCullum, who’s a very, very good coach, and everybody’s buying in to what we’re trying to achieve. Indeed, setbacks will occur on the path, that’s typical in cricket, but we are surely dedicated and completely prepared, for whatever lies ahead.”

The wish to arrange that Queenstown visit, and the appointment of previous All Blacks mindset trainer Gilbert Enoka, indicates a special emphasis on building extra from this team beyond a playing eleven. and Rashid thinks this is a unique talent of McCullum’s.

“We sense we are a cohesive group,” he expresses. “We feel like a family kind of environment, 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 make sure we stick together, that unity we have, that brotherhood.

“It’s a wonderful attribute, all members support one another and that’s the atmosphere Baz and we aim to establish, and we have built. 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 aims to generate that climate. Certainly, we are at ease, we are cool, but we’re making sure that when we go on that pitch we’re focused and we’re going for it. Significant acknowledgment is due to Baz for building that milieu, and hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”