Stokes Turns Down ‘New Zealander of Year’ Award Nomination, Says Williamson More Deserving

The star all-rounder says he is "flattered" to be nominated for the New Zealander of the Year award but wants New Zealand skipper captain Kane Williamson to win the accolade.

England's World Cup winner Ben Stokes has turned down the nomination for the New Zealander of the Year award. The star all-rounder says he is "flattered" to be nominated for the New Zealander of the Year award but wants New Zealand skipper captain Kane Williamson to win the accolade. All-rounder Stokes was named man of the match in the 2019 ICC World Cup finals as England edged past the Black Caps in one of the most scintillating encounters in the grand finale at Lord's earlier in the month. The 28-year-old English all-rounder was born in New Zealand but moved to England at the tender age of 12. Kane Williamson who was in red hot form for the Kiwis was named as the player of the tournament. He shows humility and empathy to every situation and is an all-round good bloke Speaking on the nomination for New Zealander for the Year, Stokes  said -

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.

I have helped England lift a World Cup and my life is firmly established in the UK." The New Zealand public nominates "inspirational Kiwis" for the award - those who they believe have made a "significant contribution to our nation and make us proud of our country". Previous winners have included former New Zealand rugby union captain Richie McCaw, filmmaker Taika Waititi and mental health campaigner Mike King. Stokes added he was "proud" of his New Zealand and Maori heritage, but called for Williamson - who was named player of the tournament at the World Cup - to win. "He should be revered as a Kiwi legend," he said. "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. He would be a worthy recipient of this accolade. New Zealand, fully support him. He deserves it and gets my vote."