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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know Sports Entertainment News India Times (September 27, 2025 - October 3, 2025) October 3, 2025 27 Indian American Documentary Nominated For Two Emmy Awards D ESTINATION OAK TREE ROAD, an ac- claimed documentary film about the meteoric rise to global recognition of a New Jersey retail and residential neighborhood from years of decline, has been honored with two 2025 NewYork Emmy Award nomina- tions. The film, directed and narrated by broadcast journalist Rohit Vyas, received the nominations for Documentary Historical and Performer/Narra- tor categories. The recognitions were announced recently at the PIX 11 studios by the NewYork chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NY NATAS). “I am honored that the hard work put into this production by our entire team has been recognized by esteemed peers in the industry,” Vyas is quoted saying in the press release. “Having spent de- cades as a broadcast journalist covering the Indian and South Asian diaspora communities, this first documentary film project is particularly special. It is profoundly gratifying to see that the collective effort has made an impact,” he added. DESTINATION OAK TREE ROAD spotlights the history of Oak Tree Road, a mile-and-a-half-long, once-desolate but today bustling cultural and business district in New Jersey that stretches from Edison Township to Iselin in Woodbridge Township. Officials and long-time residents interviewed in the film attribute the area’s revitalization to the hard work and commitment of the Indian Ameri- can community. The production delves into how the community’s efforts, in spite of numerous early obstacles, brought Oak Tree Road wide recogniz- tion and attracted investment frommultinational corporations. Nominated alongside Rohit Vyas are fellow producers, 14-time Emmy AwardWinner Janice Selinger, Actress/Sports Host Aditi Vyas and Arts Advocate Isha Vyas. Also nominated for the project is Joe Lee, former NJPBS Vice President and General Manager as the Executive in Charge of Production and Steve Stone as Director of Photography. The film, which first aired on NJPBS, is a co-production of Vyas Productions and NJ PBS/TheWNET Group. It is currently available to stream on PBS. “The Asian Indian community in New Jersey is one of the largest in the country,” said Rohit Vyas. “This documentary aims to reflect its history, chal- lenges, and successes through the microcosm of one small but impactful area. Most importantly, it is a quintessentially American story. Work hard, achieve success, and live the American Dream.” The 68th Annual NewYork Emmy Awards takes place in NewYork City on October 11. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:COURTESYVYAS PRODUCTIONS Broadcast journalist Rohit Vyas. Cricket-Ashwin Breaks New Ground As First Indian Player To Join Big Bash League F ormer India all-rounder Ravi- chandran Ashwin has shattered a long-standing barrier by signing with Sydney Thunder, becoming the first male Indian player to join Austra- lia’s Big Bash League (BBL) on Thursday, September 25, 2025. His deal comes after he retired from international cricket in December and ended his Indian Premier League career last month, freeing him from the Indian board’s restrictions that bar male play- ers from participating in global franchise leagues. While Indian women have participated in the women’s edition of the BBL, the BCCI has never allowed its male counter- parts to join overseas T20 competitions, making 39-year-old Ashwin’s Thunder signing a historic moment. “The Thunder Nation will welcome the biggest overseas signing since the League’s inception, with Ashwin set to become the first male player to have represented India to join a BBL club,” the team said in a statement. “Ashwin will enter Thunder’s lineup in early January and ignite the club’s push to play in back-to-back BBL Finals.” England’s Ben Foakes REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo The crafty off-spinner will not immedi- ately join Thunder’s campaign when the BBL season starts in December, however, as he has committed to the International League T20 tournament. Ashwin entered the auction for the tournament that will be held in the United Arab Emirates from December 2 to Janu- ary 4. “Thunder were crystal clear about how they’d use me and brave enough to back it. My conversations with the leadership were excellent, and we’re fully aligned on my role,” Ashwin said. “I love how (Thunder captain) Dave Warner plays the game, and it’s always better when your leader shares your mindset,” he said of the former Australia opener. “I can’t wait to perform for the Thunder Nation.” Ashwin retired from test cricket with 765 international wickets in all formats, including 537 in tests. He was the IPL’s fifth-highest wicket-taker with 187 wickets from 221 matches. -Reuters PHOTO:REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo PHOTO:REUTERS/AmitDave/File Photo Cricket – Indian Premier League – IPL – Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders – M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, India – April 11, 2025 Chennai Super Kings’ Ravichandran Ashwin in action Cricket – Fourth Test – India v England – JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, India – February 25, 2024 India’s Ravichandran Ashwin celebrates after taking the caught and bowled wicket of England’s Ben Foakes