Adil Rashid has shown his pride in being involved in the ECB’s latest initiative to promote diversity in cricket.
Rashid, 36, is one of England’s greatest spin bowlers of all time, with the Yorkshireman having collected 331 international white-ball wickets in a career that has seen him win both the 50-over and T20 World Cups.
He remains an integral part of England’s white-ball teams, despite a number of his former teammates moving on from those victories or retiring.
The 36-year-old, who is of Pakistani descent, has also been a pioneer in the game, acting as an inspiration to many as the governing body attempts to make cricket more inclusive.
Rashid is involved in the ECB’s efforts in this area by contributing to a new cookbook, Taste of Cricket, which celebrates diversity in the game.
The book features the favorite dishes of a range of figures from players to community figures and celebrities, including Ben Stokes, Isa Guha, Ainsley Harriott and Stephen Fry who contributed a recipe along with Rashid.
Adil Rashid is one of England’s greatest ever spinners with 331 international white-ball wickets
The legendary bowler is part of the ECB’s Taste of Cricket cookbook, which promotes diversity
Rashid, who contributed a Moroccan Chicken Tagine, during an ECB Tape Ball match in April
Profits from the book – which describes itself as ‘a delicious celebration of diversity in play, brought to life through the universal language of food’ – will support five of the ECB’s charity partners: Chance to Shine, ACE (African Caribbean Engagement Programme) , Lord’s Taverners, The MCC Foundation and SACA (South Asian Cricket Academy).
Rashid’s contribution is his beloved Moroccan Chicken Tagine, a dish also occasionally prepared by Lord’s beloved caterers.
And for the leg spinner, the importance of involvement with the cookbook is more than just raising awareness of his favorite dish.
“Food has always played a big role in my life,” he tells Mail Sport. “As someone of Pakistani descent, some of my fondest memories are centered around meals with family.
“So it’s really special to be part of a sport that celebrates different cuisines and cultures in such a unique way.
‘It (the book) should also show that the diversity in terms of the food itself, from all over the world, and as important as it is for us cricketers when we go out and play cricket, we try these types of food.
‘We explore and cherish these moments too.
‘Experiencing different cultures and bringing all those communities together through food is something very special about our game and the different types of food we can enjoy around the world is a highlight of the fact that we can do just as much travel as we do.
Rashid spoke to Mail Sport on behalf of Taste of Cricket, a new cookbook celebrating diversity in the game (pictured – Chris Jordan at a Taste of Cricket event in July)
Celebrities and community figures such as chef Ainsley Harriott (left) also contributed a recipe
“It’s the same as cricket, where people from different backgrounds come together and play in the same team.
‘It’s an important concept to enjoy different types of food, and also the taste of different continents.’
But what’s so special about Rashid’s favorite Moroccan Chicken Tagine?
‘I enjoy that kind of food because I’ve been to Morocco a few times and I love the spices and flavors.
‘They do it at Lord’s too. So they do a good dish, the chicken is quite tender and quite tasty.
Rashid admits there isn’t much of a cooking culture when England are on tour, although he is adamant when asked if there is a teammate he doesn’t want cooking for him.
“Probably Moeen Ali,” he jokes about his former spin twin and best friend in the game. “I just don’t trust him and I don’t think he can cook.”
Meanwhile, ECB President Richard Thompson has also expressed his support behind the initiative.
Rashid joked that he wouldn’t want his former England teammate Moeen Ali to make him cook
Rashid’s favorite Moroccan chicken tagine is included in the cookbook, which is one of a kind
“This cookbook takes you on a journey through cultures, stories and cherished recipes across generations,” he said.
‘We are thrilled to present a collection that celebrates the unique connection between cricket and food, and we are honored to share the moving stories of childhood, community and heritage that so many have contributed to.
‘This book is a love letter to cricket, food, nostalgia and togetherness.
‘What unites all the contributors, from different cultures, backgrounds and regions, is their deep love for the game and their commitment to making cricket a sport where anyone, anywhere, can walk into a club and smell the roasted chicken sizzling on the grass. Barbecuing, curry drinks in the kitchen or cakes being prepared – and you immediately feel at home.’
The Taste of Cricket Cookbook is available for £12.99 from the ECB store