England all-rounder Ben Stokes has withdrawn from the race for New Zealand of the Year award in favour of Black Caps captain Kane Williamson.
Stokes, who won the World Cup 2019 for England at the expense of New Zealand on July 14, had been nominated for the award last week on the basis of him being born in Christchurch, New Zealand. His family had relocated to England when he was 12.
The New Zealand-born Englishman took to Instagram today to say that while he was "flattered" by his nomination, there are more deserving candidates for the accolade.
"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 stated.
"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 opined that Williamson who so nearly led New Zealand to a World Cup triumph, was a better candidate than himself.
"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 said.
"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."