The star all-rounder played a crucial role during England's victory over the Kiwis.
England's World Cup 2019 final star Ben Stokes, has been nominated for the Kiwi of the Year award on Friday.
Originally born in Christchurch, New Zealand, Stokes is thus legally eligible to run for the New Zealander of the Year award.
The star all-rounder played a crucial role during England's victory over the Kiwis at the legendary Lord's Cricket Ground on the 14 July in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Stokes' 84-run knock was crucial for the hosts during the chase, as he finishd the tournament with 465 runs under his belt.
"He might not have been playing for the Black Caps but, having been born in Christchurch, where his parents now live, and with Maori ancestry, there are clearly a few Kiwis about who think we can still claim him," New Zealander of the Year Awards Chief Judge Cameron Bennett said.
Stokes is also a contender to receive knighthood after his final heroics with both candidates for next UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt expressed their desire to knight the player.
New Zealand skipper captain Kane Williamson is the other player in the running for the award.
The cricket world was in awe after Williamson's showed tremendous composure after New Zealand's World Cup 2019 final loss.
"The way Williamson conducted himself, not only in the face of such devasting disappointment at Lord's but throughout the tournament, resonated powerfully with Kiwis from all walks of life. He's been the embodiment of the qualities we cherish as New Zealanders - courage, fairness, humility," Bennett said.
All Kiwi citizens who are over the age of 15 years are eligible to be nominated for the New Zealander of the Year award.
In December this year, a 10 man shortlist will be announced and in February, the winner of 2020 will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Gala Awards.
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