BRADFORD’S World Cup winning cricketer, Adil Rashid, has teamed up with a local programme in a bid to support the district’s elderly and vulnerable in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

England international Rashid, who was part of the side that won the ICC Cricket World Cup last year, has joined forces with Bradford’s Volunteering Interfaith Programme (VIP), which is run by Strengthening Faith Institutions (SFI) in conjunction with Age UK.

The VIP - an inclusive project, with members of all faiths and backgrounds - aims to assist the elderly and vulnerable, by way of food delivery, shopping and emotional support.

Yesterday, Rashid, a leg spinner who made his international debut in 2009 and has gone on to feature in over 150 international matches, handed out food parcels to elderly and vulnerable people in Wrose and Idle.

“We want to make a massive impact in Bradford, by supporting the elderly and vulnerable in our city”, Rashid said.

“It’s a big struggle for them, as they can’t always go out to the shops or the supermarket. Therefore, it’s our duty - as the community and as human beings - to help those people who are in need.

“The VIP is supporting a lot of people, throughout the whole of the Bradford district, and it has people from all different backgrounds and religions coming together.

“Every little helps, so we’re encouraging people to get involved, but obviously while staying within the Government guidelines. Whether you’re a sportsperson or you’re well-known or you're not, we’re all in the same boat and we need to help those in need.

“The people we gave the food parcels to were very appreciative and grateful, but we were just grateful to be able to give.”

Rashid, 32, was born in Bradford, to Pakistani parents from Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, and grew up in Heaton.

He hopes that projects like the VIP can change people’s perceptions of his city and his community.

“I think this shows what kind of place Bradford is. Some people just see it as a rough place, or they say that the Muslims in Bradford are like this or like that, but we have a very diverse community which is coming together to help people. This shows that we can all get along, regardless of race or religion.

“I grew up in Heaton and I think it’s important to remember your roots. If you become successful, it can be easy to lose your way and forget. My father always helped me to be grounded and humble, and I really cherish being down to earth.”

Javed Bashir, facilitator of the VIP, said: “The VIP highlights the goodness of human nature, as different faith communities come together to help Age UK in supporting the most vulnerable in the district.

“Adil is a great role model for Bradford and also for the Muslim community. I am pleased that Adil had joined this initiative, and he will send a very positive message, to the world, that Bradford is a great place.”

Mark Rounding, Chief Executive of Age UK Bradford District, said: “We are delighted that Adil has joined the VIP team and is part of this vital inter-faith initiative, working with communities from across Bradford and Keighley, to meet the challenges we are all facing in these unprecedented times."

Earlier this week, there was controversy after Inland Revenue said Rashid had failed to pay more than £100,000 worth of tax

He responded to this by saying, however, that “the tax issue occurred due to the incompetence of my previous accountant.

“As a cricket player, it’s my job to play cricket, and it’s my accountant’s job to do the paperwork”, he added.

“My accountant had ignored tax requests and he had missed payments. I wasn’t aware of this at all - as soon as I found out, I got a new accountant. All outstanding tax payments and penalties were paid, and the matter is now closed.”