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More than over 16 seasons after his initial cap, the veteran spinner would be justified in tiring of the global cricket grind. Presently touring New Zealand for his 35th international T20 series or tournament, he outlines that frantic, repetitive schedule when talking about the group-connecting brief holiday in Queenstown that launched England’s winter tour: “Sometimes you don’t get that opportunity when you’re always on tour,” he remarks. “Touch down, drill, perform, and journey.”

However, his passion is obvious, not just when he discusses the near-term prospects of a squad that looks to be blooming with Harry Brook and his personal role within it, but also when watching Rashid train, play or bowl. But while he was able to stop New Zealand in their tracks as they attempted to chase down England’s record‑breaking 236 at the Hagley Oval ground in Christchurch on Monday night, when his four‑wicket haul included all but one of their five highest scorers, there is nothing he can do to halt time.

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Rashid will turn 38 in February, during the T20 World Cup’s middle phase. 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. But Rashid remains integral: those four wickets took him to 19 so far this year, six ahead of any other England player. Just three England bowlers have claimed as many T20I wickets in one 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 eagerness to compete for England and stand for my country,” Rashid affirms. “As an individual, I think that’s the biggest achievement in any sport. That fervor for England persists within me. 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’. 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. Ideally, we can taste success and claim World Cups, everything excellent. And I await hopefully joining that expedition.

“We are unaware of what will occur. Just ahead, situations can shift rapidly. Existence and cricket are highly uncertain. I always like to stay present – a game at a time, a step 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 more of origins: a fresh team with a new captain, a new coach and new horizons. “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. But we’ve got experience, we’ve got youth, 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’re definitely focused and really on the ball, for all future challenges.”

The desire to schedule that Queenstown trip, and the appointment of previous All Blacks mindset trainer 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 sense we are a cohesive group,” he says. “We experience a familial atmosphere, encouraging each other no matter success or failure, if your outing is strong or weak. We attempt to ensure we adhere to our principles thus. Let’s guarantee we stay together, that solidarity we possess, that fellowship.

“It’s a wonderful attribute, all members support one another and that’s the environment that Baz and we are trying to create, and we have built. And ideally, we shall, irrespective of performance outcomes.

“Baz is quite calm, easygoing, but he is attentive regarding coaching, he is diligent in that regard. And he desires to foster that setting. Indeed, we are tranquil, we are serene, 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 with hope, we can continue that for much more time.”