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

After over 16 seasons after his initial cap, Adil Rashid could be forgiven for tiring of the international cricket treadmill. Now in New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he describes that busy, routine existence while discussing the team-bonding mini‑break in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “Occasionally, such chances are rare when constantly traveling,” he states. “Touch down, drill, perform, and journey.”

But his zeal is evident, not merely when he reflects on the near-term prospects of a team that appears to be thriving under Harry Brook and his individual spot on it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. 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, 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 reaches 38 years old in February, during the T20 World Cup’s middle phase. When the next ODI World Cup occurs near the end of 2027 he’ll be close to 40. His close pal and current podcast partner Moeen Ali, only a few months older than him, retired from international cricket last year. But Rashid remains integral: those four dismissals brought his yearly tally to 19, six more than any other Englishman. Only three English bowlers have taken so many T20 international wickets in a calendar 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.

“Absolutely, I maintain the desire, the craving to feature for England and symbolize my nation,” Rashid affirms. “Personally, I believe that’s the top accomplishment in any athletic field. I still have that passion there for England. In my opinion, if the enthusiasm diminishes, or something similar, that’s the moment you consider: ‘Alright, let’s seriously ponder it’. Right now, I’ve not considered other options. I possess that passion, with plenty of cricket ahead.

“I aim to belong to this side, this roster we possess today, along the forthcoming path we tread, which hopefully will be nice and I want to be part of it. With luck, we can achieve victories and secure World Cups, all the positive outcomes. And I’m looking forward to hopefully participating in that journey.

“We are unaware of what will occur. Around the corner things can change very quickly. 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 rather of beginnings: a renewed side with a changed leader, a changed mentor and new vistas. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid comments. “There are a few new faces. Some have gone out, some have come in, and that’s just part of the cycle. Yet we possess know-how, we have young talent, we include elite performers, 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 surely dedicated and completely prepared, for all future challenges.”

The wish to arrange that Queenstown visit, and the recruitment of the former All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, indicates a special emphasis on building extra from this team beyond a playing eleven. 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, supporting one another irrespective of performance, 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 atmosphere Baz and we aim to establish, and we have developed. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“Baz is very relaxed, chilled out, but he is sharp in his mentoring role, he is focused in that aspect. And he aims to generate that climate. Indeed, we are tranquil, we are serene, 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.”