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

Following 16 years from his first appearance, England’s seasoned bowler would be justified in tiring of the global cricket grind. Currently in New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he outlines that hectic, monotonous life as he mentions the group-connecting brief holiday in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “Occasionally, such chances are rare when constantly traveling,” he remarks. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

But his zeal is evident, not only when he talks about the near-term prospects of a team that appears to be thriving with Harry Brook and his personal role within it, plus when seeing Rashid drill, perform, or spin. Yet while he succeeded in curbing New Zealand’s charge as they attempted to chase down England’s record‑breaking 236 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on Monday night, as his four-wicket spell claimed almost all of their top five batsmen, he cannot do anything to stop time.

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Rashid will turn 38 in February, halfway into the T20 World Cup. Once the following 50-over World Cup is held in late 2027 he’ll be close to 40. His close pal and current podcast partner Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, stepped away from global cricket the previous year. However, Rashid continues essential: those four dismissals brought his yearly tally 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, and Rashid in 2021, 2022, 2024 and now 2025. Yet there are no considerations of retirement; his focus remains on bringing down opponents, not curtains.

“One hundred per cent I’ve still got the hunger, the hunger to play for England and represent my country,” Rashid says. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. I still have that passion there for England. I feel that once the passion fades, or whatever occurs, 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 hold that drive, and much cricket remains.

“I desire to join this team, this group we have currently, 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 anticipate hopefully taking part in that voyage.

“We cannot predict future events. Around the corner things can change very quickly. Life and the sport are immensely volatile. I prefer to remain in the moment – one match at a time, one stage 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 renewed side with a changed leader, a changed mentor and new vistas. “We are embarked on that path,” Rashid comments. “Several new players are present. Some have departed, some have joined, and that’s merely part of the process. However, we hold expertise, we contain new blood, we’ve got world‑class players, we employ Brendon McCullum, a superb mentor, and all are committed to our goals. Certainly, there will be obstacles during the journey, that’s part and parcel of the game, but we are undoubtedly concentrated and fully attentive, for whatever lies ahead.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, 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 believes this is a particular strength of McCullum’s.

“We perceive ourselves as a unified entity,” he conveys. “We feel like a family kind of environment, supporting one another irrespective of performance, if your outing is strong or weak. We attempt to ensure we adhere to our principles thus. 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 developed. And ideally, we shall, irrespective of performance outcomes.

“Baz is very relaxed, chilled out, but he is attentive regarding coaching, he is diligent in that regard. And he wants to create that environment. Certainly, we are at ease, we are cool, but we confirm that when we step onto the ground we are attentive and we are giving our all. A lot of credit goes to Baz for creating that environment, and ideally, we can sustain that for an extended period.”