‘I try to give what I can’ – England spinner Adil Rashid after being awarded MBE

(Photo Source: Getty Images)

Adil Rashid‘s notable service to cricket was recognized as he was awarded an MBE by King Charles. The leg-spinner has played 19 Test, 125 ODIs, and 95 T20Is for England. Rashid has had a terrific career thus far as he has won both the ODI and the T20 World Cup. Rashid has picked up 183 ODI wickets, whereas he has 95 and 60 in T20Is and Tests, respectively.

Rashid said he is proud after his endeavours were recognized in the King’s Birthday Honours list. The 35-year-old said that he values the things he has but knows that there are others around who are not as priviledged. So, the experienced cricketer vowed to give back to the sport to the best of his abilities through his academy – Adil Rashid Cricket Centre in his home city of Bradford.

“I am so grateful for the things I have and I know some people don’t have as much as me, so I try to give what I can,” said Rashid as quoted by Yorkshire Post. “I’ve set up the Adil Rashid Cricket Centre in Bradford, that’s open now and I want to see Asian cricketers coming through there, but it’s a place where people can be day to day as well. It’s for cricket and for the community.”

We all have the responsibility to do our best on and off the field: Adil Rashid

Rashid expressed how he wants to inspire people from Asian background by playing the game to the best of his abilities.

“I try (to be a positive role model). It’s been a tricky few years for cricket, ups and down, but things don’t always sail smoothly,” he added. “We all have the responsibility to do our best on and off the field. Through playing cricket we are showing other people from these parts of England that they can make it to the top.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Bradford-born spinner played in England’s tour to Bangladesh earlier this year. He was the highest wicket-taker in the three-match ODI series, picking up eight wickets.