IN an exclusive two-part interview with the T&A, Bradfordian and record-breaking England bowler, Adil Rashid caught up with sports reporter Harry Williams to discuss all things cricket.

The second segment of the interview saw the leg-spinner open up on England’s humbling T20 World Cup semi-final defeat against India.

He also reaffirmed his desire for a Bradfordian to follow in his footsteps one day by representing the country on the sport’s biggest stages, with the city holding a special place in his heart forevermore.

Speaking exclusively to the T&A, Rashid said: “I would absolutely love to see that (someone from Bradford shine on the biggest stage in cricket).

“I’m a proud Bradfordian, so for myself to be that role model or the person who opened up doors for others would be a great feeling.

“As someone who came through the system at the age of ten-years-old, and to get where I am today, I’d love for someone to come through in the exact same way that I did.

“It would be a proud moment, not only for me but my family and the city too.

“It would create another legacy, and if I was to be the man to lead the way for that to happen, then it would be a strong moment for me, for sure.”

Furthermore, Rashid admitted that it would feel extra special if the next rising star in cricket was to be produced at the Adil Rashid Cricket Academy.

He said: “That would be special.

“Since we opened up in 2022, we’ve had quite a few kids come through the Academy to represent Yorkshire at the various age groups.

“So, we’ve had success with that, but it would be lovely to see someone come right through from the under 7s to represent England at first team level and become a legend.

“However, that’s a long road ahead but every player can and should dream big.”

At 18, everyone knew Adil Rashid had the potential to be a great At 18, everyone knew Adil Rashid had the potential to be a great (Image: Newsquest)

Away from Bradford, Rashid has been busy with the Northern Superchargers at this year’s ‘The Hundred’, however it was the World Cup that had him occupied in June.

England, who were looking to retain the trophy, fell to a 68-run defeat in the semi-final against India, the eventual winners of the tournament.

Reflecting on the competition, Rashid said: “I don’t think there were any regrets from the World Cup.

“Ideally, as a player, you want to every tournament you play in but sometimes it isn’t possible. You win some and you lose some.

“It’s very rare that you get a team that are consistently winning the major tournaments.

“We got to the semi-final this time, but we’ve had a lot of success in winning World Cups both in 2022 in the T20 and then in 2019 as well.

“So, we can look back at this period of English cricket as a very positive one. Of course, we want to win them all and we’re disappointed when we don’t, but it’s part and parcel of cricket.”

Rashid and his England teammates have the chance to lift spirits once again following their recent World Cup heartbreak, as they face off with Australia in a T20 series in September.

All three matches across the series will take place in the UK: Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester being the locations of the contests.

Looking ahead to the trio of fixtures with the ‘old enemy’, Rashid said: “I can’t wait to return to the national team in September.

“Whenever you represent your country, it’s always an exciting and proud moment.

“When September comes around, I’m sure the squad, whoever is in it, will be raring to go and will be eager to perform to their best abilities.”

Adil Rashid is one of England's most successful white ball cricket stars of all-timeAdil Rashid is one of England's most successful white ball cricket stars of all-time (Image: PA)

In 2023 last year, Rashid was awarded an MBE by King Charles.

The two-time World Cup winner joined charity founder Tim Morfin, Windrush activist Nigel Guy, education leader Andrew Laver, rugby coach Anthony Brooke, scout leader Alan Naylor and care home manager Tracey Tatum, in representing the district on last year's King's Birthday Honours list.

Reflecting on the achievement, Rashid told the T&A: “It was a proud moment to be recognised for what I have done for cricket. I was not expecting it. 

"Winning the T20 World Cup (2022) was a great feeling, as it is what you play the game for. To win the T20 and the 50-over (in 2019) back-to-back was very special.

"It shows you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it regardless of where you come from.

"It was a big moment for the family because they have been through everything with me from the age of seven.

"Nearly every day I ring my brother or dad asking for advice. The wife and kids have played a huge part too."