Adil Rashid has outlined his pride at being involved in the ECB’s latest initiative to promote diversity within cricket.
Rashid, 36, is one of England’s greatest spin bowlers of all-time, with the Yorkshireman having picked up 331 international white-ball wickets in a career that has seen him win both the 50-over and T20 World Cup.
He remains an integral part of England’s white-ball teams despite several of his former team-mates from those triumphs having been moved on or retired.
The 36-year-old, who comes from Pakistani heritage, has also been a trailblazer in the game, acting as an inspiration for many as the governing body attempts to make cricket more inclusive.
Rashid is involved in the ECB’s drive on the topic by contributing to a new cookbook, Taste of Cricket, which celebrates diversity in the game.
The book incorporates the favourite dishes of several figures, from players to community figures and celebrities, with the likes of Ben Stokes, Isa Guha, Ainsley Harriott and Stephen Fry among those to have contributed a recipe alongside Rashid.
Adil Rashid is one of England’s greatest ever spinners with 331 white-ball international wickets
The legendary bowler is part of the ECB’s Taste of Cricket cookbook, which promotes diversity
Rashid, who contributed a Moroccan Chicken Tagine, at an ECB Tape Ball game back in April
Profits from the book – which describes itself as ‘a mouthwatering celebration of diversity in the game brought to life through the universal language of food’ – will support five charity partners of the ECB: 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 that is also whisked up on occasions by the much-loved Lord’s caterers.
And for the leg-spinner, the importance of being involved in the cookbook is more than just increasing the profile of his favourite dish.
‘Food has always played a big part in my life,’ he tells Mail Sport. ‘As someone of Pakistani heritage, some of my fondest memories are centred around mealtimes with family.
‘So, to be a part of a sport that celebrates different cuisines and cultures in such a unique way is really special.
‘It (the book) is also to show that diversity in terms of foods itself, from all around the world, and how important it is for us cricketers as well when we go out and play cricket, we do try these kinds of food.
‘We explore and we cherish these moments as well.
‘Experiencing different cultures and bringing all those communities together through food is something really special in our game and the different types of food we get to enjoy around the world is a highlight of being able to travel as much as we do.
Rashid was speaking 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, like chef Ainsley Harriott (left), also contributed a recipe
‘It’s the same as cricket, where people come together from different backgrounds and play in the same team.
‘It’s an important concept to enjoy the different types of food, and the taste of different continents as well.’
But what is so special about Rashid’s favoured Moroccan Chicken Tagine?
‘I enjoy that kind of food, because I’ve been to Morocco a couple of times and I love the spices and flavours.
‘They do it at Lord’s as well. So they do a good dish, the chicken is quite tender and it’s quite tasty.
Rashid admits that there isn’t much of a cooking culture when England are on tour, although he’s adamant when asked if there’s a team-mate he wouldn’t want making him dinner.
‘Probably Moeen Ali,’ he jokes about his former spin-twin and best friend in the game. ‘I just don’t trust him and don’t think he knows how to cook.’
Meanwhile, Richard Thompson, the chair of the ECB, has also thrown his support behind the initiative.
Rashid joked he wouldn’t want his former England team-mate Moeen Ali making him dinner
Rashid’s favoured Moroccan Chicken Tagine features in the cookbook, which is one of a kind
‘This cookbook takes you on a journey through cultures, stories, and cherished generational recipes,’ he said.
‘We’re thrilled to present a collection that celebrates the unique connection between cricket and food, and we’re honoured to share the moving stories of childhood, community and heritage that so many have contributed.
‘This book is a love letter to cricket, food, nostalgia and togetherness.
‘What unites all the contributors, from diverse 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, catch the scent of jerk chicken sizzling on the BBQ, curry bubbling in the kitchen or cakes being laid out— and instantly feel at home.’
The Taste of Cricket Cookbook is available for £12.99 from the ECB store
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .