A government review of the list of sporting events that are set aside for broadcast on free-to-air television has been criticised by Sky, which claims that it is not in the interest of fair competition.

Jeremy Darroch, Sky's chief executive, told delegates at a Sports Industry Group event in London that sports should be given the opportunity to choose its own broadcast partner in order to safeguard the growth of sport in the UK. Darroch said: "When you list an event against the wishes of the sport's governing body, you restrict their choice of partner. You undermine their ability to set the right balance across a complex set of factors, including income, exposure, depth of coverage and promotional support.

"When you hear people call for Test cricket to be put back on the list of sporting events reserved for free-to-air television, think hard about the potential consequences of restricting competition for rights, because it's that competition which has helped to unlock the potential of UK sport." The list of protected sporting events, which was compiled in 1998, is currently being reviewed by a DCMS-appointed panel, and is expected to report back in the second half of the year.