England all-rounder Ben Stokes turned down his nomination for New Zealander of Year award and said that New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson should be accoladed. Ben Stokes said that he doesn’t deserve the award as he lives in the United Kingdom now. According to Stokes, Kane Williamson is a deserving candidate for the prestigious award.
“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,” Stokes posted his statement on Instagram.
“I feel the whole country should align their support to New Zealand captain Kane Williamson," said Stokes. "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,” Stokes added.
It was being said that Ben Stokes will be nominated for the Knighthood, an honorary title in Britain. Ben Stokes was the main architect of England's World Cup win when he scored 84 runs in the final.
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