Ben Stokes withdraws ‘New Zealander of the Year’ award nomination

England’s World Cup-winning all-rounder Ben Stokes has respectfully withdrawn his nomination for the ‘New Zealander of the Year’ award. In an official statement released by the cricketer’s management firm, Stokes said that there are people who deserve the accolade more than him.

28-year old Stokes was born in Christchurch, New Zealand but moved to England with his family at the young age of 12. He has since played for local clubs in England and is now an established player in the national team.

“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.”

“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 added.

Although the official list of nominees is yet to be announced, Stokes’ name was one of the early entries in the public nominations for the award. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is also likely to be nominated, and Stokes has gone out of the way in saying that the Kiwi skipper deserves 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. 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,” he concluded.