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

Following 16 years from his first appearance, the veteran spinner might be excused for feeling exhausted by the non-stop cricket circuit. 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 that launched England’s winter tour: “Occasionally, such chances are rare when constantly traveling,” he says. “You arrive, practice, compete, and move on.”

However, his passion is obvious, not merely when he reflects on the immediate future of a side that seems to be flourishing with Harry Brook and his own place in it, and also when observing Rashid practice, compete, or deliver. Although he managed to halt New Zealand’s progress as they attempted to chase down England’s record‑breaking 236 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday night, when his four‑wicket haul included all but one of their five highest scorers, he cannot do anything to stop time.

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In February, Rashid hits the age of 38, midway through 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, merely some months elder, retired from international cricket last year. Yet Rashid stays crucial: those four wickets took him to 19 so far this year, six more than any other Englishman. 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. But no plans exist for conclusion; his concentration is on overcoming foes, not ending his journey.

“Absolutely, I maintain the desire, the eagerness to compete for England and stand for my country,” Rashid declares. “Personally, I believe that’s the top accomplishment in any athletic field. I still have that passion there for England. I think that when the passion does die down, or whatever it is, that’s when you think: ‘OK, right, let’s have a real think about it’. Right now, I’ve not considered other options. I’ve got that passion, there’s a lot of cricket to be played.

“I aim to belong to this side, this roster we possess today, on the next journey we have, 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 anticipate hopefully taking part in that voyage.

“We are unaware of what will occur. Nearby, circumstances can alter swiftly. Existence and cricket are highly uncertain. 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.”

From several perspectives, this isn’t the moment to consider conclusions, but instead of starts: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “We’re on that journey,” Rashid notes. “There are a few new faces. Some have gone out, some have come in, and that’s simply part of the rotation. Yet we possess know-how, we have young talent, we’ve got world‑class players, 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 part and parcel of the game, but we’re definitely focused and really on the ball, for any coming events.”

The aim to plan that Queenstown excursion, and the hiring of ex-All Blacks mental coach 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 feel like a unit,” he expresses. “We enjoy a family-like setting, backing each other regardless of whether you perform or don’t perform, 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 great quality, each person defends their teammates and that’s the culture Baz and we seek to form, and we have developed. And hopefully we can, regardless of whether we have a good day or a bad day.

“Baz is quite calm, easygoing, but he is attentive regarding coaching, he is focused in that aspect. And he desires to foster that setting. 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. A lot of credit goes to Baz for creating that environment, and ideally, we can sustain that for an extended period.”