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

After a decade and a half after his initial cap, England’s seasoned bowler could be forgiven for feeling exhausted by the international cricket treadmill. Presently touring New Zealand for his 35th T20 international competition, he outlines that hectic, monotonous life while discussing the team-bonding mini‑break in Queenstown which began England’s cold-weather campaign: “At times, these moments are scarce during endless tours,” he says. “You land, you train, you play and you travel.”

But his zeal is evident, not only when he talks about the upcoming path of a team that appears to be thriving guided by Harry Brook and his own place in it, plus when seeing Rashid drill, perform, or spin. 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 will turn 38 in February, midway through the T20 World Cup. When the next ODI World Cup occurs near the end of 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: 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. Yet there are no considerations of retirement; his concentration is on overcoming foes, not ending his journey.

“Totally, I retain the appetite, the craving to feature for England and symbolize my nation,” Rashid declares. “From my view, that’s the greatest success in all sports. That fervor for England persists within me. In my opinion, if the enthusiasm diminishes, or something similar, then you reflect: ‘Okay, time to genuinely evaluate it’. Currently, I haven’t contemplated anything different. 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 ought to be rewarding and I intend to contribute. 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. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. 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 many ways this is no time to be thinking of endings, but more of origins: a novel squad with a different skipper, a different coach and fresh prospects. “We have begun that voyage,” Rashid comments. “A handful of fresh members exist. Some have departed, some have joined, and that’s just part of the cycle. But we’ve got experience, we’ve got youth, we’ve got world‑class players, we’ve got Brendon McCullum, who’s a very, very good coach, and all are committed to our goals. Indeed, setbacks will occur on the path, that’s inherent to the sport, but we are undoubtedly concentrated and fully attentive, for any coming events.”

The desire to schedule that Queenstown trip, 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 thinks this is a unique talent of McCullum’s.

“We perceive ourselves as a unified entity,” he conveys. “We enjoy a family-like setting, encouraging each other no matter success or failure, if your outing is strong or weak. We’re trying to make sure we stick to our morals in that way. Let’s ensure we remain united, that cohesion we share, that camaraderie.

“It’s a wonderful attribute, all members support one another and that’s the culture Baz and we seek to form, and we have created. And with luck, we will, no matter if our day is successful or not.

“Baz is very composed, laid-back, but he’s on the ball in terms of coaching, he is focused in that aspect. And he desires to foster that setting. Yes, we are relaxed, we are chilled, but we’re making sure that when we go on that pitch we’re focused and we’re going for it. Much praise belongs to Baz for forming that atmosphere, and hopefully we can carry that on for a lot longer.”