Ben Stokes Backs Out of ‘New Zealander of the Year’ Award Nomination

England have won the 50-over World Cup this year where Ben Stokes played a crucial role. He has been nominated for the ‘New Zealander of the Year’ Award because of he was born in Christchurch, New Zealand and showing a great intent not only in the ICC World Cup final but also throughout the tournament. He had moved to England at a very young age with his family and started playing for Durham and England.

However, he has turned down the nomination of the prestigious award, saying Kane Williamson is more deserving. He has scored 465 runs in the tournament, including a match-winning unbeaten 84 which he did in the final against New Zealand.

“I am flattered to be nominated for New Zealander of the Year. I am proud of my New Zealand and Maori heritage but it would not sit right with me to be nominated for this prestigious award. There are people who deserve this recognition more and have done a lot more for the country of New Zealand,” Ben Stokes said in a statement released by his management firm.

“I have helped England lift a World Cup and my life is firmly established in the UK – it has been since I was 12-years old,” he further added.

Apart from Ben Stokes, the New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is the other contender who is also expected to be nominated for the category and Stokes wants Williamson to win the award.

“I feel the whole country should align their support to New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. He should be revered as a Kiwi legend,” Stokes shared in the statement.

“He led his team in this World Cup with distinction and honour. He was the player of the tournament and an inspirational leader of men. He shows humility and empathy to every situation and is an all-round good bloke. He typifies what it is to be a New Zealander,” Ben Stokes expressed his thoughts about Kane Williamson.

“He would be a worthy recipient of this accolade. New Zealand, fully support him. He deserves it and gets my vote,” he concluded.