Flattered Stokes wants Williamson to be New Zealander of the Year
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|| CF Correspondent ||
Ben Stokes may be surprisingly nominated for the New Zealander of the Year because of his family connection to the country but turned it down graciously.
Stokes who led England to winning their maiden Cricket World Cup just some days ago was born in New Zealand before moving to England at the age of 12. He had thereafter played for England and became the country’s citizen.
However New Zealand nominated him for the New Zealander of the Year alongside Kane Williamson that came up as surprise to many.
After being silent for some days, Stokes finally came out of the shell to issue a statement in which he was down to the earth.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Stokes believed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson deserved the award more than him.
“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.”
